South Carolina to appoint replacement for late Senator Lindsey Graham

Following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is tasked with appointing a successor to fill the vacancy. South Carolina law outlines a specific process for selecting a candidate to complete Graham's term, accelerating the timeline for Republicans seeking to fill the seat ahead of the November elections.

The process for Republican candidates to file for the vacancy is set to begin on July 21, the second Tuesday after Graham's death, and will remain open until July 28. A special Republican primary election will then be held on August 11, two weeks after the filing deadline. Should no candidate secure at least 50% of the vote, a runoff election will take place two weeks later, on August 25.

While South Carolina Republicans are still processing Graham's unexpected passing, potential contenders are beginning to emerge. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette's name has surfaced as a possible candidate. Evette had previously received support from Governor McMaster and President Trump during her gubernatorial run, though she ultimately lost to Attorney General Alan Wilson. Meanwhile, Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina has publicly stated he will not pursue the Senate seat, assuring President Trump that his focus remains on the House to maintain the Republican majority.

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my goal is to remain in the House to keep his two-vote majority for the American people.