The late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death shook the political world because it was so sudden and unexpected.
That said, politics is politics, so the scramble for his vacant South Carolina Senate seat began almost immediately.
Initially, Gov. Henry McMaster tapped Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve out her brother’s remaining term, and it was thought she would only serve until January, when his current term expires.
But now, she has decided to run for his seat herself, and that isn’t sitting well with MAGA world, according to reports.
Nordone announced her decision during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.
“So you’re inclined to get in? Or have you even made a final decision?” Hannity asked her during her Monday evening appearance.
“I’ve made a decision — I’m in,” Nordone declared.
Nordone was appointed to the Senate seat with the backing of President Donald Trump.
Many conservatives, however, questioned whether her record aligns with their expectations for the seat.
“Hard pass. Birthright senatorship is idiotic,” Sean Davis, the CEO of The Federalist, responded on X.
Former Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) added: “Trump continues to fill the Swamp with the worst congressional creatures, including his predictable endorsement of Darline Graham.
“Are there worse criteria than 1) family name, and 2) pledged unconditional and unconstitutional allegiance and obedience to the president?” Good asked.
Others chimed in as well.
Lindsey Graham passed away earlier this month after a “brief sudden illness” following his return from a trip to Ukraine.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” a statement from Graham’s office said shortly after his passing.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” it added.
About 24 hours later, the medical examiner’s office in Washington, D.C., issued a report identifying Graham’s cause of death.
The preliminary findings, released by Graham’s office, found that his death was caused by “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.”
Aortic dissection is a critical medical emergency involving a tear in the inner wall of the aorta, which is the body’s main artery.
“The death certificate will be PENDING until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death,” the statement added.
Jeffery W. Carroll, the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, and Francisco J. Diaz, the chief medical examiner for the District of Columbia, confirmed the findings of the preliminary examination in a joint statement.
“As soon as the results are available and the investigation concludes, OCME will communicate with the next of kin and the death certificate will be amended from pending to the cause of death and the classification of the manner of death,” they added.