South Carolina's next steps to replace Graham after senator's death

Key Points:

• Sen. Lindsey Graham's death creates a rare open Senate seat in South Carolina, prompting Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint a temporary replacement and triggering a special primary to select the Republican nominee for the November general election.
• The special primary filing period starts July 21, with the primary election on August 11 and a potential runoff on August 25, leaving the eventual nominee just over two months to campaign before the November 3 general election.
• Potential replacements include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who has Gov. McMaster's endorsement, and other Republicans like Rep. Nancy Mace and Rep. Russell Fry, while House members are unlikely to be appointed due to the narrow Republican majority.
• The Democratic nominee, pediatrician Annie Andrews, has raised significant campaign funds and could capitalize on the vacancy, though South Carolina's history favors Republicans, with Graham previously winning by a comfortable margin.
• Graham's death leaves a significant gap in South Carolina's Senate influence, as he was a senior senator with key committee roles; Sen. Tim Scott described him as "irreplaceable" and mourned the loss of a longtime colleague and friend.