Story perspectives

Graham's Death Opens SC Senate Seat; Trump Names Replacement

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sen. Lindsey Graham died on July 11, 2026, creating a vacancy in South Carolina’s Senate seat.
Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint an interim senator who serves until Jan 3, 2027, while the state schedules a Republican filing window (July 21–July 28), a special primary (Aug 11), and a possible runoff (Aug 25).
Rep. Nancy Mace is exploring a Senate bid, while President Donald Trump says he has a preferred replacement for Graham but did not name the person.

History

Historical Context

After the 2004 Massachusetts law stripped the governor of authority to fill Senate vacancies—passed over Mitt Romney’s veto to block a potential Republican appointee—Senator Ted Kennedy’s death on August 25, 2009 prompted the legislature to restore interim appointments. Governor Deval Patrick named former DNC chair Paul Kirk on September 24, 2009; Kirk served 215 days until Republican Scott Brown won the Jan 19, 2010 special election.

1 of 2

Story summary

Sen. Lindsey Graham died on July 11, 2026, creating a vacancy in South Carolina’s Senate seat.
Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint an interim senator who serves until Jan 3, 2027, while the state schedules a Republican filing window (July 21–July 28), a special primary (Aug 11), and a possible runoff (Aug 25).
Rep. Nancy Mace is exploring a Senate bid, while President Donald Trump says he has a preferred replacement for Graham but did not name the person.

1 / 2