Trump Announces His Intended Replacement For Lindsey Graham As Interim Senator: His Sister

President Donald Trump called on South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline as the interim replacement of his brother, who died unexpectedly this weekend.

“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” Trump said in a social media post.

Trump had anticipated he already had someone in mind. “I have somebody that I think would be great, but I don’t want to say it now because it’s just, you know, it’s too soon with Lindsey,” he told NBC News. “I don’t want to even talk about anybody, but I do have somebody that I think is really good.” It is unclear whether McMaster will follow Trump’s call.

The need to take Graham’s place in November’s midterms is also ongoing. South Carolina law dictates that Republicans hold a primary on Aug. 11, meaning that candidates have to file to run by July 21.

The Hill reported that Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, is considering entering the fray. However, Mace, who has gone through several controversies while in Congress, recently performed poorly in a primary bid for governor, finishing fifth in a crowded field.

Another South Carolina Republican Congressman, Joe Wilson, indicated that he would not be running: “I was grateful to speak with President Trump today reminiscing about our mutual friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. I assured him my goal is to remain in the House to keep his two-vote majority for the American people!!!”

NBC News also reported that another potential candidate is Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. Evette also lost the primary for governor, but she was endorsed by President Trump in the race. It is unclear if she would be Trump’s choice to replace Graham in the primary race.

The network noted that Graham’s primary opponent this year, Mark Lynch, did not say whether he would revisit his candidacy and again enter a Senate primary.

“While we had our political disagreements, today is not a day for politics,” Lynch told NBC. “It is a day to recognize his decades of service and to pray for everyone who knew and loved him.”