12 times lawmakers were replaced by their relatives in Congress

Sen. Darline Graham Nordone was appointed to the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., following his death earlier this month. Graham Nordone is now seeking a full term in the Senate but faces primary challengers.

Family members replacing their relatives in Congress isn't uncommon. Over the past three decades, several children and spouses of lawmakers have either won special elections to the U.S. House of Representatives or been appointed to the Senate after their relatives died or moved on to another political office.

Here are 12 examples of family members who replaced lawmakers who died in office, died before taking office or left their seats to run for another elected office.