Republicans scramble to find a replacement for Sen. Lindsey Graham ahead of the midterm elections

Key Points:

• Following Senator Lindsey Graham's death, South Carolina Republicans are seeking both a temporary and permanent replacement, with Governor Henry McMaster required by state law to appoint an interim senator until January.
• President Donald Trump indicated he has a preferred replacement but withheld the name out of respect for Graham, while a special Republican primary is scheduled for August 11 with candidate filings beginning July 21.
• Potential candidates include Rep. Nancy Mace, who is considering a run, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who has received encouragement to enter the race, and businessman Mark Lynch, who previously challenged Graham and plans to run again.
• Sen. Tim Scott suggested that an open primary would benefit South Carolina voters and noted possible consideration of current members of Congress for the interim appointment.
• Rep. Joe Wilson announced he will not run for the Senate seat, choosing instead to maintain the Republican majority in the House.