Darline Graham Nordone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Darline Graham Nordone
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Nordone in 2015
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| United States Senator from South Carolina |
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Designate
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| Assuming office July 14, 2026 |
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| Appointed by | Henry McMaster |
| Succeeding | Lindsey Graham |
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Darlene Graham
June 12, 1964 Central, South Carolina, US |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Larry Nordone |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Lindsey Graham (brother) |
| Education | College of Charleston (BS) South Carolina State University (MA) |
Darline Graham Nordone (born June 12, 1964) is an American public administrator. She is the United States senator-designate from South Carolina. She is also the sister of former US senator Lindsey Graham. Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to fill the open position after her brother's passing. She is scheduled to be sworn in on July 14, 2026, and will serve until January 3, 2027. When she takes office, she will become the first woman to represent South Carolina in the US Senate.
Contents
About Darline Graham Nordone
Early Life and Education
Family and Childhood
Darline Graham Nordone was born in Central, South Carolina. Her parents ran a restaurant, bar, and pool hall called the Sanitary Cafe. The family lived in rooms located behind their business.
Sadly, Darline lost both her parents when she was young. Her mother passed away when Darline was twelve years old. Her father passed away about fifteen months later. After this, her older brother, Lindsey, arranged for her to live with their aunt and uncle in Seneca, South Carolina. Lindsey, who was about nine years older, adopted Darline before he joined the Air Force. Her brother taught her to spell her first name "Darline," which she still uses today.
College Years
Darline graduated from the College of Charleston in 1989. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in rehabilitation counseling. She received this degree from South Carolina State University.
Her Career Journey
Helping the Visually Impaired
In 2019, Darline became the commissioner and agency head of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. This commission helps people in South Carolina who are blind or have low vision. They offer programs for job training, independent living, and preventing blindness.
She also serves on the South Carolina State Workforce Development Board. She is part of its SC Works Management Committee. In 2026, she was chosen as president-elect of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. She plans to start her term in January 2027.
Involvement in Politics
In 2002, Darline appeared in a television advertisement for her brother Lindsey's campaign. He was running for the US Senate that year. She continued to help with her brother's later campaigns. She shared stories about her childhood in 2014 and 2026 to support him.
Darline also supported her brother's campaign for President of the United States in the 2016 election. She introduced him during his first campaign speech. Before 2008, she worked for the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department. She helped create a program for Time Warner. This program allowed adults with severe disabilities to work from home.
Becoming a U.S. Senator
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott spoke with Darline after her brother Lindsey Graham passed away on July 11, 2026. President Donald Trump endorsed Darline to fill the Senate seat. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline to the position. She will be sworn in as a senator on July 14, 2026. When she takes office, she will become the first woman to represent South Carolina in the US Senate.
Personal Life
Darline Nordone lives in Lexington, South Carolina. She lives there with her husband, Larry Nordone. They have two daughters.
See Also
