Who will replace Trump ally Lindsey Graham in the US Senate?

The death of Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has temporarily reduced the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate to 51-49. Graham, who represented South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly late Saturday due to a "brief and sudden illness," according to his office.

However, the Republican majority is likely to be short-lived. South Carolina's election laws empower Republican Governor Henry McMaster to fill the vacant Senate seat by appointment. Graham's current term was set to end in January, and he was running for re-election in the November midterm elections. A primary election to determine the Republican nominee is scheduled for next month.

Governor McMaster issued a statement mourning Graham, calling him "the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America and a loyal and steadfast friend." The law does not specify a timeline for the appointment, but it is expected that McMaster will act swiftly to avoid disrupting President Trump's agenda in the Senate.

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We grieve with Darline, his family and his devoted staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again.

McMaster faces a strategic decision regarding his appointee. He could select a placeholder candidate who would serve out Graham's remaining term without running in the midterms, thereby avoiding any potential influence on the election process. Alternatively, he might choose someone who intends to run for the full term, granting them the advantage of incumbency, which could boost their profile and electoral chances.

This dilemma is not unique. Governors in other states have navigated similar situations. For instance, California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Alex Padilla to fill Kamala Harris's Senate seat in 2021, and Padilla subsequently won a special election. More recently, Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to fill Dianne Feinstein's seat in 2023, and Butler did not run for election.

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The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America and a loyal and steadfast friend.