South Carolina Governor to Appoint Temporary Senator After Incumbent's Death

South Carolina's governor must appoint a temporary replacement to serve the remainder of the Senate term ending January 3. State law gives the governor authority to fill the vacancy without a fixed deadline. The appointment creates an opportunity to give the interim senator an advantage in the upcoming special primary.

The governor could instead select a caretaker who does not intend to run for the full term.

Candidates may file for the special primary between July 21 and July 28. The primary election is scheduled for August 11, with a runoff on August 25 if no candidate receives a majority. The seat has been held by the same party since 1956. The Cook Political Report previously rated the seat safe for continued Republican control.

Lynch announced his candidacy Sunday evening and committed $5 million to the campaign. He had previously stated that the day of the incumbent's death was not a day for politics. Other individuals mentioned as possible candidates include members of the state's congressional delegation and the lieutenant governor.

One representative signaled on Sunday that he intends to remain in the House rather than seek the Senate seat. A spokesman for a former governor and U.N. ambassador told Politico that the individual has no plans to run for office at this time. The president declined to name a preferred candidate when asked by NBC News on Sunday.