South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is expected to announce an interim successor for the late Senator Lindsey Graham on Monday afternoon. President Donald Trump publicly recommended Darline Graham Nordone, Senator Graham's sister, for the interim appointment via a Truth Social post, stating it would be a "fabulous tribute." McMaster has not yet made an official appointment, but has indicated he anticipates following Trump's suggestion.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina also floated Darline Graham Nordone as a potential interim appointee, alongside former Representative Trey Gowdy and former Senator Jim DeMint. Scott indicated that an appointment would likely be made within hours or a day, with the intention of allowing voters to decide the permanent successor in a future election.
Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly on Saturday night due to an "Aortic Dissection due to Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease," according to a statement from his office. A 911 call for "cardiac arrest" was placed from his residence Saturday evening.
The vacancy created by Graham's death will likely involve two replacements within the next six months: one appointed by the governor to serve the remainder of his term, and another chosen through an election for the subsequent six-year term. The special primary election is expected on August 11th.
Speculation about candidates for the full term has begun, with some prominent South Carolina Republicans expressing interest. Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who recently lost the Republican primary for South Carolina governor, has been mentioned as a potential contender. A spokesperson for Mace stated that Graham was a mentor to her and that any suggestion of her running was not a "campaign wink" but said "with affection." However, White House insiders reportedly oppose Mace's potential candidacy, citing her performance in the gubernatorial primary and deeming her a "total disaster."
Former Representative Trey Gowdy, who now hosts a program on Fox News, has stated through a spokesperson that he has had no conversations about the Senate seat and has no interest in it. Gowdy previously represented South Carolina's 4th Congressional District from 2011 to 2019.
Other potential candidates for the full term include current South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who placed second in the gubernatorial primary runoff. An advisor for Evette confirmed she has received calls from leaders interested in her continuing to serve the state. Another Republican who lost in the primary, Ralph Norman, has also indicated interest in running for the Senate seat.
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