Race to Replace Lindsey Graham Begins as Trump Hints at Preferred Pick
Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement while Republicans prepare for a special election to fill the seat permanently.
The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has set in motion the process to fill his Senate seat, with President Donald Trump expected to play a major role in shaping who succeeds one of his closest allies.
According to Fox News, Graham's death leaves Senate Republicans with a narrower margin in the chamber.
The GOP now holds 52 seats, but with Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., still absent while recovering from a medical emergency, Republicans are effectively operating with 51 votes.
Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday, Trump said he already has someone in mind to replace Graham but declined to reveal the name.
"I have somebody that I think would be great," Trump said. "But I don't want to say it now because it's just, it's too soon with Lindsey. I don't wanna even talk about anybody, but I do have somebody that I think is really good."
Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster will first appoint a temporary replacement to serve in the Senate. McMaster, a longtime Trump ally, can make the appointment at any time, though his office has not announced when a decision will be made or identified any potential candidates.
Because Graham had already won the Republican primary while seeking a fifth Senate term, the appointee would serve through the remainder of his current term before voters choose a long-term successor.