Filling the seat: Process underway to fill Graham vacancy

WASHINGTON —

The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has left a critical seat vacant in Washington.

On Monday afternoon, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced Graham’s younger sister, Darline Graham Nordone, would replace him as a temporary fill-in through Jan. 3.

In the meantime, under South Carolina state law, a special primary will be held on Aug. 11 to select a new Republican nominee for U.S. Senate.

In June, Graham had secured the Republican nomination for a potential fifth term before his passing.

Now, the winner of the special primary will face the Democratic nominee, Dr. Annie Andrews, in November. Once elected, the chosen candidate would begin serving their full term in January.

Graham Nordone could also choose to run in the special primary in a decision that carries significant weight for Republicans as they work to maintain their narrow Senate majority.

Graham’s absence leaves gaps in other critical Senate leadership roles.

Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, a top position that Republicans will need to fill soon.

He also held a key vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is currently working to confirm a new attorney general.

In the aftermath of his death, a preliminary report from the medical examiner says Graham died of a torn aorta.

FBI Director Kash Patel also confirmed that the agency would be assisting local authorities in the investigation of the Senator’s death, but did not provide further details on its involvement.

Outside his Washington home, multiple agencies, including agents with the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, were seen canvassing the area.

Watch more on the late Sen. Lindsey Graham: