Lindsey Graham’s sister sworn in as the South Carolina senator’s successor

Less than 72 hours after the sudden passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, his sister was sworn in to finish his term.

Darlene Graham Nordone took the oath on Tuesday, saying it’s what her brother would have wanted.

Having served in the Senate for almost two and a half decades, Senator Graham was well-liked by his Republican colleagues, generally well-respected by Democrats, and well-known across the country.

Taking the oath on the Senate floor, Darlene Graham Nordone, the younger sister of Lindsey Graham, officially became his successor. A ceremonial swearing-in followed in the old Senate chamber.

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) prayed for Graham’s family Monday as he remembered his friend.

“He’s a person that loved his body, loved the country, and loved the people of South Carolina. And it showed,” said Lankford.

Senator Alan Armstrong (R-OK), who went through a similar selection and swearing-in process just a few months ago, told Bloomberg TV he had come to respect Graham during their brief overlap.

“People knew him for somebody that would speak his mind and was clear and convincing in his argument,” said Armstrong.

As a strong backer of Ukraine, one of Graham’s final acts was to get White House backing for a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill.