Who Will Succeed Senator Graham After His Passing? South Carolina GOP Race Begins

(Central News Charleston 13th comprehensive foreign wire report) Originally seeking his fifth term, U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham passed away suddenly, opening a new chapter full of variables in the already tumultuous South Carolina political scene this year.

The Associated Press reported that as a senior senator from this conservative state and a key ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, Graham was considered likely to win re-election.

Now, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster must appoint someone to serve as Graham's proxy before next January. At the same time, the state government will hold a 'special primary' to allow voters to elect a new Republican candidate to compete for the Senate seat up for re-election in the November midterm elections.

How will the special primary be conducted?

According to South Carolina law, the registration period for the special primary begins on the second Tuesday after the candidate's death and lasts for one week. In Graham's case, registration begins on July 21.

The special primary will be held on the second Tuesday after registration ends, i.e., August 11. If necessary, a runoff will be held two weeks later, i.e., August 25.

At that time, new candidates will have only two and a half months to prepare for the November 3 midterm elections.

Who could succeed Graham?

Graham passed away on the evening of July 11, and the preliminary autopsy report concluded that his cause of death was aortic dissection.

A few hours after Graham's death was announced, various successors were speculated within the South Carolina Republican Party.

South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette has worked with McMaster for nearly eight years and is considered one of the front-runners. A source familiar with Evette's thoughts revealed that she has gained support from across the state and is very confident in participating in the special primary.

Another person familiar with the thoughts of South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace said she is considering whether to run.

South Carolina Congressman Russell Fry may also enter the competition. He represents the rapidly developing area around Myrtle Beach and is an important ally of Trump.

Before serving in the Trump administration, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent lived in South Carolina. An anonymous source said he was asked if he would be willing to succeed Graham, but he had no interest and loved his work in the Trump administration.

What impact will Graham's passing have on the November midterm elections?

According to the Associated Press, the Democratic Party has not won any federal Senate seats in South Carolina in decades, and the Republican Party has won state elections in recent years with a clear advantage. In the last election in 2020, Graham defeated his Democratic opponent Jaime Harrison by a 10-point margin.

However, although past experience shows that Graham had a good chance of winning a fifth term, the Republican Party is cautiously assessing the situation.

Charleston pediatrician Annie Andrews won the Democratic nomination in June. According to federal campaign finance reports, she has raised over $8 million in campaign funds, and as of the end of May, she still has nearly $3 million available; Graham raised $6 million, with funds slightly higher than $4 million.

Andrews issued a statement yesterday, urging South Carolinians to join her in 'putting aside partisan differences and expressing gratitude for Graham's contributions.'

How will the influence of the South Carolina Republican Party change?

In the Senate, where seniority determines influence, Graham's sudden passing leaves a huge void. He served as a senator for over 20 years, allowing him to hold committee leadership positions and influence the agenda.

Another current South Carolina Senator, Tim Scott, has only been in the Senate since 2012. According to state standards, his seniority is still shallow.

Scott called his former colleague Graham 'irreplaceable.' He said in an interview with the ABC political talk show 'This Week': 'America has lost a politician, and I have lost a friend.' (Translation: Hong Pei-ying) 1150713

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