Senator Lindsey Graham's sudden passing has set off a two-pronged approach to replace him, with President Donald Trump likely to play a significant role in the process. Graham's death comes at a critical time for Republicans in the Senate, who currently hold a 52-seat majority but will be down to 51 votes with Senator Mitch McConnell's absence. This development will increase pressure and drama in finding a replacement for the longtime South Carolina lawmaker.
The process of replacing Graham will be guided by the Constitution and state law. The first step involves South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointing a temporary replacement for Graham. McMaster, a close ally of Trump, can make this appointment as soon as he wants, and the chosen individual will serve until the next special or general election.
McMaster's office has not provided immediate information on when the announcement will be made or who is being considered for the seat. Graham was already running for a fifth term in the Senate and had easily won a primary victory last month. Whoever McMaster appoints will serve until the end of the year to complete the remainder of Graham's fourth term.
The second step is finding a long-term successor to Graham's seat. The candidate filing period for the special election to win the GOP nomination opens on July 21, with the election scheduled for August 11. This race could attract several familiar faces in South Carolina GOP politics, including McMaster himself, who is term-limited as governor.
Trump has praised McMaster, noting that he endorsed his first bid for the White House in 2016. Trump believes McMaster will do the right thing and thinks he would be fantastic in the Senate seat. Several members of South Carolina's GOP congressional delegation could also enter the mix, including Representatives Nancy Mace, Joe Wilson, Ralph Norman, Russell Fry, William Timmons, and Sherri Biggs.
Representative Nancy Mace is reportedly considering a bid to run in the special election. On the other hand, Representative Joe Wilson has quickly dismissed speculation about his potential candidacy, stating that his goal is to remain in the House to support the Republican majority.
Other potential candidates include Pamela Evette, who was endorsed by Trump in the governor's race but ultimately lost. While some of these individuals have not commented on their potential candidacy, it is clear that the special election will be a significant event in South Carolina politics.
