Lindsey Graham's Sister Sworn In to Fill His Senate Seat

Article excerpt

Lindsey Graham's sister has been sworn in to the United States Senate to fill the seat her brother held for more than two decades. Graham, the longtime Republican senator from South Carolina, died, and the appointment of his sister marks an unusual moment in Senate history: a sibling succession that keeps the seat in the family, at least temporarily. The move follows the standard procedure for filling a vacant Senate seat, with South Carolina's governor making the appointment rather than holding a special election. Graham served in the Senate since 2003 and was one of the most recognizable figures in Republican foreign policy circles, known for his hawkish positions and his close alliance with Donald Trump in the latter part of his tenure. The question of who holds his seat carries weight given the current balance of power in the chamber. Separately, the health of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has drawn renewed attention in discussions about the future makeup of Senate GOP leadership.