Republicans Seek Replacement for Sen. Lindsey Graham Following His Death

Following the death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the party is working to identify both a temporary and a permanent replacement. Graham had recently won the GOP Senate primary in South Carolina and was expected to be re-elected for a fifth term in November. President Donald Trump stated he has a preferred candidate in mind but refrained from naming anyone out of respect for Graham. According to South Carolina state law, Governor Henry McMaster is required to appoint someone to fill Graham's position until early January. A special Republican primary election is scheduled for August 11, with candidate filings beginning on July 21. Senator Tim Scott indicated that he expects McMaster to consider at least one or two Congress members for the appointment. Representative Nancy Mace is reportedly considering a run for the vacant seat, while Representative Joe Wilson has announced he will not pursue it. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who recently lost a gubernatorial primary, is also being encouraged to enter the race. Mark Lynch, a businessman who previously challenged Graham, expressed his condolences and did not indicate plans to run again.