Senate Vacancy in South Carolina: Who Might Replace Lindsey Graham and Their LGBTQ Records

Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died on Saturday at his Washington home from an aortic dissection linked to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Graham, who entered the Senate in 2003 after a career in the South Carolina House, was a longtime opponent of LGBTQ rights, voting against the 2022 Respect for Marriage Act, the 2013 Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and opposing the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” His death creates a Senate seat vacancy as the GOP’s federal supermajority narrows.

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• Scott Bessent – Treasury Secretary and the highest-ranking openly LGBTQ federal official. A South Carolina native, Bessent switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party in 2017 and donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee. He has declined interest in the seat.

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• Pamela Evette – South Carolina lieutenant governor and staunch Trump supporter who has echoed the former president’s claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Governor Henry McMaster, who opposes LGBTQ rights, backed her 2022 gubernatorial bid.

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• Nancy Mace (R-SC) – U.S. Representative who initially supported the Respect for Marriage Act but later introduced a resolution to bar trans women from Capitol restrooms. She framed the move as a response to Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), the first openly trans member of Congress.

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• Russell Fry (R-SC) and Ralph Norman (R-SC) – Additional congressional names mentioned without detailed LGBTQ voting records.

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• Darline Graham – Senator Graham’s sister, whom Trump suggested as an interim appointee on Truth Social.

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• Treasury Secretary Bessent, when contacted, said he is “happy in my role as Treasury secretary, a position I have long wanted,” and expressed no interest in running.

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• Former President Donald Trump posted, “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” endorsing Darline Graham as a temporary senator.

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Governor Henry McMaster is slated to announce the interim replacement on Monday at 4 p.m., a decision that could shape the GOP’s ability to advance its legislative agenda, including defense spending and the SAVE America Act.

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