Joe Wilson Considers Interim Senate Seat Following Lindsey Graham's Death

Lindsey Graham, a prominent South Carolina Republican senator, passed away on July 12, 2026, due to a brief and sudden illness. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is responsible for appointing an interim replacement for Graham's Senate seat. Representative Joe Wilson, the longest-serving Republican congressman from South Carolina, is reportedly interested in the interim position. Graham's seat is up for re-election in the upcoming November midterms, and a special Republican primary will be held before August 11 to select the GOP nominee for the general election against Democratic candidate Annie Andrews. Wilson has also expressed interest in running for the GOP nomination in that race. The Daily Beast has contacted Governor McMaster’s office for further comments. Following Graham's death, Wilson paid tribute, describing him as an American patriot. Graham had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine and was expected to appear on NBC's Meet the Press the day after his death. His passing has raised concerns about the health of other Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell, who has been absent from Senate votes due to health issues. Former President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on social media, calling Graham a great senator and American patriot.