South Carolina’s political landscape changed dramatically over the weekend after the sudden and tragic death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham – attention is now turning to who will temporarily fill his Senate seat and who will become the Republican nominee in November.
Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to announce his decision during a 4 p.m. news conference this afternoon, where he will reflect on Graham’s life and name an interim replacement.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in this morning, saying he has recommended that McMaster appoint Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, to serve the remainder of the senator’s current term.
Governor Will Appoint a Temporary Senator
Under South Carolina Code Section 7-19-20, the governor has the authority to appoint someone to temporarily fill a vacant U.S. Senate seat caused by death, resignation, or another vacancy.
Because Graham died more than 100 days before the November general election, the governor’s appointee would serve only the remainder of Graham’s current term, ending on Jan. 3, 2027.
That appointment does not automatically make the person the Republican nominee for the next six-year Senate term.
Republicans Must Hold a New Primary
Since Graham had already won the Republican primary before his death, South Carolina law requires the GOP to choose a replacement nominee through another primary election, rather than allowing party leaders to simply select a candidate.
Based on the statutory timeline, the expected schedule is:
- July 21: Candidate filing opens
- July 28: Filing closes
- Aug. 11: Republican special primary
- Aug. 25: Runoff election, if needed
The winner would become the Republican nominee for the Nov. 3 general election, although the South Carolina Election Commission is expected to formally confirm the election calendar.
Several Republicans Already Considering a Run
Even if Darline Graham Nordone is appointed to the temporary seat, it remains unclear whether she would seek a full six-year term.
Several prominent Republicans have already been mentioned as potential candidates, including U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace. Other names are also expected to emerge once the filing period opens.
Graham, who served in the Senate since 2003, died Saturday at age 71 after a brief illness. His death leaves South Carolina with its first U.S. Senate vacancy in more than two decades and sets off both an interim appointment and a fast-moving Republican primary that will determine who appears on the November ballot.
