The Republican Party regained its full majority in the Senate on Tuesday after Darline Graham Nordone swore in as senator from South Carolina, replacing her brother, Lindsey Graham, who died last weekend. The incorporation of the new legislator returns to the Republicans an advantage of 53 seats compared to 47 in the Upper House, at a key moment for Washington's legislative agenda. In addition to the political impact, the protest marked an unprecedented event: Darline Graham Nordone became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the United States Senate and the first sister to occupy the seat left by a family member in the history of that chamber.

This was the swearing-in ceremony

The new senator was sworn in during a solemn session of the Senate, accompanied by the majority of legislators, former senators, members of the South Carolina delegation in the House of Representatives and members of President Donald Trump's cabinet.

Among those in attendance were Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the latter identified as a close friend of the late Lindsey Graham.

With the ceremony, his incorporation into the Senate was formalized, where he will remain as a representative of South Carolina while the electoral process develops to define the final holder of the seat.

Trump pushed for his appointment

The appointment of Darline Graham Nordone was completed in record time. Just hours before her appointment was made official, President Donald Trump publicly asked South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to choose her as interim senator.

Through Truth Social, the president maintained that Lindsey Graham's sister was the right person to honor the legacy of the Republican legislator.

"I recommended Darline, Lindsey Graham's wonderful sister, to Governor Henry McMaster to serve as interim senator for the great state of South Carolina. It would be a fantastic tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!" Trump wrote.

Shortly after, the governor formalized the designation and the Republican Party confirmed that he would hold the seat until January 2027, the date on which the current legislative period ends.

Why was she appointed on an interim basis?

South Carolina law provides that when a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant before the end of its term, the governor has the power to appoint a temporary replacement.

That legislator remains in office until a special election is held for citizens to define who will finish the term.

In the case of Darline Graham Nordone, his permanence in office will also depend on the internal process of the Republican Party.

Will compete in the Republican primaries

As part of the electoral calendar, a special Republican Party primary will be held in South Carolina in August.

Darline Graham Nordone will seek the nomination to subsequently compete for a full six-year term in the Senate, which would allow her to remain a state representative beyond her provisional appointment.

Lindsey Graham's death accelerated the succession

The death of Lindsey Graham, which occurred on Saturday at the age of 71, forced the Republican leadership to quickly fill one of its most relevant positions in the Senate.

According to the first reports, the legislator died due to a rupture in the aorta, a main artery of the heart, a situation that activated the procedure provided for by state legislation to appoint a temporary replacement and prevent South Carolina from remaining without representation in the Upper House.