South Carolina Governor Appoints Darline Graham to Senate Seat

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to complete the Senate term of her brother, Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly at age 71 on Saturday. The appointment fills the seat through January 2027. Preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner listed the cause of death as aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Lindsey Graham was seeking a fifth Senate term.

Graham said she would finish some of her brother's work and support the president over the next several months. She has not stated whether she will seek the full six-year term beginning in 2027.

Candidates have one week, from July 21 to July 28, to file for the Republican primary set for August 11. A runoff, if needed, is scheduled for August 25. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November 3 general election.

Potential Republican Candidates Lt. Gov.

Pamela Evette said the rapid shift to political discussion after the death was disheartening and that there would be a time for that later. She previously won President Trump's endorsement in the gubernatorial primary. Rep. Russell Fry was encouraged by some South Carolina Republicans to run.

President Trump described him as outstanding during a Monday interview. Rep. Nancy Mace posted a clip from the movie The Godfather Part III and told CBS News she would be remiss if she did not at least consider a bid. She previously ran against Lindsey Graham in the 2014 Republican primary.

Rep. Ralph Norman said he asked President Trump for an endorsement but was told it was too early. He placed third in the recent gubernatorial primary. Sen. Tim Scott said he has affinity for former Rep. Trey Gowdy and thinks he would be an amazing senator.

Gowdy has not publicly expressed interest in returning to elected office. A spokesperson for Nikki Haley told CBS News she has no plans to run and is not entertaining the idea despite calls urging her to enter the race.