The replacement of
Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina follows a dual-track process under state law to fill his current Senate seat and select a new Republican nominee for the November election.
1. Temporary Appointment Governor Henry McMaster has the authority to appoint a temporary successor to fill the vacant Senate seat immediately. This appointee will serve until
January 3, 2027, and South Carolina law does not require the governor to choose someone from the same political party, though a Republican is expected.
2. Special Republican Primary To determine the permanent Republican nominee for the November general election, a special primary must be held. The process is governed by South Carolina Code § 7-11-55:
- Filing Period: Opens on July 21 and closes on July 28.
- Special Primary: Scheduled for August 11. If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff will be held on August 25.
- General Election: The winner of the special primary will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November. The nominee must be certified at least two weeks before the general election (by October 20) to appear on the ballot.
Votes cast for Graham’s name on the printed November ballot will automatically be counted for the newly certified Republican nominee. The
U.S. Senate does not choose the replacement; its role is limited to seating the individual selected through these state procedures.
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