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Who Will Replace Lindsey Graham? How Vacancies Are Filled in U.S. Senate
Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary replacement, and voters will later choose who serves the rest of the term.
- South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died Saturday evening at 71 after a "brief and sudden illness," his office said in a statement. The death leaves a Senate vacancy ahead of November's general election.
- Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster will appoint an interim replacement to fill the seat until January 3 of next year. The governor faces no requirement to select a member of the same political party.
- State election laws mandate a special primary by August 11 to select a GOP nominee for the seat. The Republican winner will face Democratic challenger Dr. Annie Andrews in November to serve the remainder of the term.
- First elected to the Senate in 2002, Graham had emerged as one of President Donald Trump's top allies. His sudden passing disrupts legislative priorities and the Senate Budget Committee he chaired.
- The 17th Amendment grants states authority to determine vacancy procedures, creating a patchwork system nationwide. While South Carolina utilizes appointment-then-election, five states mandate special elections only, demonstrating diverse approaches to Senate transitions.
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Republicans scramble to find a replacement for Sen. Lindsey Graham ahead of the midterm elections
Hours after GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death, President Donald Trump said Sunday that he had a preferred replacement in mind but declined to share a name out of respect for Graham.
·New York, United States
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Evette, Lynch, Mace Top South Carolina Senate Speculation, Wilson Will Not Seek Graham Seat
The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) at age 71 has created an unexpected Senate vacancy but will not immediately change the balance of power in the upper chamber. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R)
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources66
Leaning Left8Leaning Right8Center47Last UpdatedBias Distribution74% Center
Bias Distribution
- 74% of the sources are Center
74% Center
13%
C 74%
13%
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