Veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham’s death has set in motion a series of political and legal steps that will determine who represents South Carolina in the U.S. Senate. With Republicans already holding a narrow majority in the Senate, the vacancy comes at a significant moment for Congress and ahead of the November general election.
Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster has the authority to appoint a temporary replacement to serve in the Senate until voters elect a successor. However, because Graham was seeking another term this year, state election laws also require a special process to select a Republican nominee for the November ballot.
State officials have not yet announced the election schedule, but existing law points to a special Republican primary on August 11, followed by a runoff election on August 25 if no candidate secures a majority. Candidate filing is expected to take place between July 21 and July 28.
The proposed timeline, however, could face legal and logistical challenges. Federal law generally requires states to provide at least 45 days of absentee voting for military personnel and Americans living overseas, which could affect the election calendar.
The Republican nominee chosen through the special primary will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the November election. Following news of Graham’s death, Andrews offered condolences, describing him as “a man of great faith” who proudly served the country as a Judge Advocate General officer and Air Force colonel. She also encouraged South Carolinians to set aside political differences and remember Graham’s decades of public service.
State election officials are expected to announce the official process and timeline for filling the vacant Senate seat in the coming days.