Before the race to succeed him begins, South Carolina will spend the next several weeks closing the chapter on Lindsey Graham’s Senate career. Governor Henry McMaster officially appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve out the remainder of his term at President Trump’s public urging. She’s not expected to seek the seat herself, I’m told, but will retain Graham’s staff, ensure that constituent services continue, and oversee the winding down of his office—a true placeholder. Candidates seeking to replace Graham on the ballot must file between July 21 and July 28, and the field ahead of the August 11 special primary is expected to be crowded—unless Trump clears the field. Meanwhile, as senators return to Washington today, Graham’s desk, the John Calhoun desk, stands draped in black, a bowl of white roses marking his absence.