Graham’s death triggers a scramble to replace him – what happens next?

South Carolina governor will pick successor to serve out Graham’s term as Trump says ‘I have somebody I think would be great’ US politicians and foreign leaders pay tribute to Graham South Carolina’s governor, Henry McMaster, has the political decision of a lifetime with the unexpected death in office of Senator Lindsey Graham. The Republican governor and loyalist of Donald Trump will appoint a new senator to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on 3 January. Whoever McMaster appoints will likely have a leg up in a special primary election on 11 August to fill Graham’s place on the November ballot, which he won despite facing five challengers from his party in June. That election calendar favors candidates with wide name recognition and deep institutional support. Continue reading...

George Chidi · Sun, Jul 12, 2026, 10:08 AM
US news | The Guardian

Graham’s death triggers a scramble to replace him – what happens next?

South Carolina governor will pick successor to serve out Graham’s term as Trump says ‘I have somebody I think would be great’

US politicians and foreign leaders pay tribute to Graham

South Carolina’s governor, Henry McMaster, has the political decision of a lifetime with the unexpected death in office of Senator Lindsey Graham. The Republican governor and loyalist of Donald Trump will appoint a new senator to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on 3 January.

Whoever McMaster appoints will likely have a leg up in a special primary election on 11 August to fill Graham’s place on the November ballot, which he won despite facing five challengers from his party in June. That election calendar favors candidates with wide name recognition and deep institutional support.

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