Lindsey Graham’s death triggers scramble to replace him as Congress returns – US politics live

South Carolina’s governor, Henry McMaster, has the political decision of a lifetime with the unexpected death in office of Senator Lindsey Graham. The Republican governor and loyalist of Donald Trump will appoint a new senator to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on 3 January. Whoever McMaster appoints will likely have a leg up in a special primary election on 11 August to fill Graham’s place on the November ballot, which he won despite facing five challengers from his party in June. That election calendar favors candidates with wide name recognition and deep institutional support. The candidate would still run against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who gained significant support in the red state, but still faces an uphill challenge. Congressman Joe Wilson has reportedly expressed interest in the seat. Of the Republican delegation to Washington, Wilson is the longest tenured. He has represented South Carolina’s second congressional district since 2001, and his activism within the state’s Republican party predates its dominance in the state’s politics. “With the passing of Senator Lindsay Graham he will always be cherished as an American Patriot tireless for peace through strength successful defeating totalitarians,” Wilson wrote on X. “All three generations of the Wilson family extend deepest sympathy and appreciation of his dedicated service.” Graham’s death triggers a scramble to replace him – what happens next? Read more