--- title: How Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat Will Be Filled description: Here’s what to know about the vacancy left by the passing of the Senator from South Carolina—and what it means for the Republican Party. canonical: https://time.com/article/2026/07/13/lindsey-graham-senate-seat-vacancy-congress-gop-replacement/ author: Miranda Jeyaretnam article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2026-07-13T10:00:00.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-07-13T21:10:47.808Z article:section: Politics og:title: How Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat Will Be Filled og:description: Here’s what to know about the vacancy left by the passing of the Senator from South Carolina—and what it means for the Republican Party. og:url: https://time.com/article/2026/07/13/lindsey-graham-senate-seat-vacancy-congress-gop-replacement/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt813376e53c8c9e5f/6a54b4b872aef968f7ac08a7/lindsey_graham.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1024 og:image:height: 576 og:image:alt: lindsey graham.jpg og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: How Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat Will Be Filled twitter:description: Here’s what to know about the vacancy left by the passing of the Senator from South Carolina—and what it means for the Republican Party. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt813376e53c8c9e5f/6a54b4b872aef968f7ac08a7/lindsey_graham.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 video:duration: 01:08 video:published: 2026-07-13 section: politics topics: Senate appointment, Lindsey Graham, Darlene Graham, South Carolina, family tribute, succession of work, support for the president, Senate staff and colleagues genre: news, statement tones: solemn, respectful, heartfelt, resolute emotions: grief (high), determination (high), gratitude (medium), pride (medium) sentiment: neutral audience: news readers, political followers, South Carolina residents, general public people: Lindsey Graham, Darlene Graham content_suitability: death [00:55-01:08]; politics [00:00-01:08] transcript_source: publisher captions transcript_reviewed: not applicable ---  # How Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat Will Be Filled—and What It Means for the GOP > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: September 2026. ## TIME Newsletters: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition TIME publishes seven free email newsletters, written and edited by TIME journalists, reaching more than 1.1 million engaged readers. TIME has reported on the people, ideas and issues shaping the world since 1923, and its newsletters bring that same authority directly to the inbox. 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Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk. #### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter? Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=fc4f5e0d-f56f-4227-9ec0-d07f5128f821&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1) ## Video: Lindsey Graham’s Sister, Darline Graham Nordone, Appointed to Serve Out His Senate Term [Watch (HLS stream): Lindsey Graham’s Sister, Darline Graham Nordone, Appointed to Serve Out His Senate Term](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/IuYKqAnj.m3u8) (1:08)  _Published 2026-07-13. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has Monday appointed Darline Graham Nordone to finish out the Senate term of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died on Saturday._ Description, summary, key points, chapters, key quotes, questions and transcript, where present, were produced automatically from the video or its captions and were not reviewed. ## Summary The video presents remarks about a Senate appointment, first from a speaker who asks Lindsey Graham's sister to complete his work, then from the sister, Darlene Graham, who accepts. She promises to work hard over the next several months, supporting the president and continuing her brother's efforts for the citizens of South Carolina and the United States. She says she is confident with the backing of his staff and colleagues, and she ends by addressing her brother directly. ## Key points - The first speaker describes Lindsey as having taken care of his little sister in years long departed. (00:00) - The first speaker says it is an honor to ask Lindsey's little sister, Darlene Graham, to finish his work. (00:05) - The first speaker says Lindsey loved his family and loved serving the state and the country, and dedicated his life to the country. (00:13) - Darlene Graham calls it a privilege to finish some of her brother's important work. (00:23) - She promises to work hard over the next several months to support the president and carry forward her brother's efforts for citizens of South Carolina and the United States. (00:28) - She says Lindsey thought the world of his staff and colleagues, and that with their support she feels confident. (00:41) - She says she believes this is what Lindsey would have wanted and plans to honor him this way. (00:48) - Addressing Lindsey directly, she says she misses him more than she can put into words but is going to do this. (00:55) ## Chapters - [00:00 to 00:23] Request to finish Lindsey's work. A speaker recalls Lindsey caring for his sister and asks Darlene Graham to finish his work, praising his dedication to family, state and country. - [00:23 to 01:08] Darlene Graham accepts and honors her brother. Darlene Graham accepts the role, pledges to work for South Carolina and the United States, thanks his staff and colleagues, and speaks directly to Lindsey. ## Key quotes - [00:05] Speaker introducing the appointment: "It's my honor to ask his little sister," - [00:23] Darlene Graham: "It is such a privilege to get to" - [00:48] Darlene Graham: "I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted," - [00:58] Darlene Graham: "I miss you more than I can even put into words." - [01:03] Darlene Graham: "But I'm going to do this." ## Questions this video answers - Who is asked to finish Lindsey Graham's work? [00:05] - How does the first speaker describe Lindsey's dedication? [00:13] - What does Darlene Graham promise to do over the next several months? [00:28] - Why does Darlene Graham say she feels confident? [00:41] - What does Darlene Graham say to her brother at the end? [00:58] ## Content suitability - death [00:55-01:08]: The sister speaks emotionally about missing her brother, who is the subject of a memorial-style tribute. - politics [00:00-01:08]: Remarks concern a Senate appointment and a pledge to support the president and serve South Carolina.  by [Miranda Jeyaretnam](https://time.com/author/miranda-jeyaretnam/)  ## Miranda Jeyaretnam Reporter Jul 13, 2026 10:00 AM UTC South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has Monday appointed Darline Graham Nordone to finish out the Senate term of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died on Saturday.  by [Miranda Jeyaretnam](https://time.com/author/miranda-jeyaretnam/)  ## Miranda Jeyaretnam Reporter Jul 13, 2026 10:00 AM UTC Lindsey Graham’s [sudden death](https://time.com/article/2026/07/12/the-world-pays-tribute-to-sen-lindsey-graham/) has left his congressional seat vacant, potentially complicating the Republican legislative agenda. Graham, who died on Saturday at age 71, served as U.S. Senator for South Carolina for 23 years. He was campaigning for a fifth term this year, after winning the Republican primary in June with 57% of the vote. Graham was a critic-turned-staunch ally of Donald Trump and backed the President’s war with Iran. His death leaves Republicans with a smaller Senate majority, which could hamper the party’s voting strength with Kentucky Republican Senator [Mitch McConnell already absent](https://time.com/article/2026/07/13/mitch-mcconnell-breaks-silence-with-statement-and-photo-amid-questions-about-health-status/) from the chamber due to hospitalization. The vacancy could also be significant for Democrats’ prospects in the mid-term elections this November. Republicans will need to choose a new Senate nominee to take on Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician whose campaign has focused on healthcare, abortion rights, and gun safety. Before Graham’s death, the state was not considered a battleground. The last time a Democrat was elected to the Senate in South Carolina was in 1998\. But Graham’s death adds uncertainty to the race. ## How Graham’s seat will be filled Under [South Carolina law](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t07c011.php), Republican Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary replacement to serve the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends Jan. 3\. Like Graham, McMaster is a close ally of Trump. On Sunday, Trump [said](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/scramble-replacement-lindsey-graham-midterm-election-senate-seat-rcna552739) he had someone in mind that “would be great” to fill Graham’s seat, but that it is “too soon” to publicly name them. McMaster could fill the seat himself, but he would first have to resign from the governorship. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette would then serve as governor for the remainder of McMaster’s term, which ends on Jan. 13, and she could appoint McMaster to the Senate seat. But doing so has [historically been a losing game](https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0%2C33009%2C898654-1%2C00.html) in the long run. In 1965, South Carolina Gov. Donald Russell resigned after Sen. Olin Johnston died, allowing Lt. Gov Robert McNair to appoint him to the Senate. Russell then lost the 1966 Democratic primary to Fritz Hollings. Evette could also be considered for the seat. She has not publicly commented on whether she is interested. Trump endorsed her when she unsuccessfully ran in the state Republican gubernatorial primary in June. The nomination was ultimately won by Alan Wilson, the son of Rep. Joe Wilson (R, S.C.), whom Trump also endorsed. Graham’s vacancy also triggers a special primary election to take his spot on the ballot to compete for the next U.S. Senate term, according to [state election law](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t07c019.php). That special election will take place on Aug. 11\. Candidates will have a week beginning July 21 to declare their intent to run. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman, who also ran against Wilson, could be contenders. Mace told [CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2026/07/12/politics/video/lindsey-graham-death-seat-nancy-mace-intv-nrtf) that she does not plan to fill the seat in the interim, but she said “there will be time to decide” about running for it in the special election. Norman is expected to announce whether he will run on Tuesday, and he said that he has spoken with Trump about an endorsement, according to [Bloomberg Government](https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/ralph-norman-considering-run-for-lindsey-grahams-senate-seat). The five Republicans that challenged Graham in the June primary could also enter the special election. Greenville businessman Mark Lynch, who criticized Graham’s interventionist foreign policy approach and support for foreign aid, came second with 29% of the vote. Motivational speaker Thomas Dismukes, Horry County Republican Party executive committeeman and businessman Pat Herrmann, Duncan city councilmember Calvin Cowen, and Columbia-based “Hip-Hop Republican” Darius Mitchell also ran. Joe Wilson said he has no plans to replace Graham. He [posted](https://x.com/RepJoeWilson/status/2076327375982166272) on X that he “assured President Trump I intend to remain in the House for his agenda.” ## What the vacancy means for the GOP’s agenda The vacancy could complicate efforts to pass the remaining items on the GOP’s legislative agenda. Republicans held a 53-47 majority in the Senate, but after Graham’s death and amid McConnell’s hospitalization, Republicans have just 51 voting senators, narrowing their margin at a time when some Republicans have [bucked party leadership](https://time.com/article/2026/06/05/house-republicans-bipartisan-ukraine-support-act-aid-russia-trump/) on issues like [the war with Iran](https://time.com/article/2026/06/04/trump-iran-war-powers-resolution-house-republicans/). Graham has been described by both Republicans and [Democrats](https://x.com/SenBlumenthal/status/2076357067854446845) as capable of working across the aisle to broker bipartisan deals. His relationship with Trump also made him an influential intermediary with the President, including in efforts to secure aid for Ukraine. Graham has consistently lobbied for providing aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia, despite Trump’s repeated efforts to scale back U.S. support for the ally. On Friday, Graham [announced](https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/2075629731999793645) that a bipartisan group of Senators had reached an agreement with the White House on an updated sanctions package targeting Russia. In turn, Graham played a key role in shepherding some of Trump’s key legislative goals through the Senate, including the [passage of the President’s One Big, Beautiful Bill Act](https://time.com/7299910/big-beautiful-bill-house-trump/). Several major bills remain on the legislative agenda. These include [Trump’s SAVE America Act](https://time.com/article/2026/06/24/trump-housing-bill-save-america-act-voting-restrictions/), which would require voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote. Graham strongly advocated for the bill, which has [faced strong opposition](https://time.com/article/2026/07/10/housing-bill-trump/) from Democrats and [some Republicans](https://time.com/article/2026/07/08/we-re-conservative-republicans-the-save-act-is-a-mistake/). Trump told [NBC](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/trump-phone-call-lindsey-graham-death-save-act-rcna552732) on Sunday that Graham’s death will be “a big blow” to the act. Republicans were also hoping to pass a reconciliation bill, which would be the third this legislative session after the OBBBA and [another bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies](https://time.com/article/2026/06/10/house-passes-secure-america-act-senate-reconciliation-bill-funding-immigration-enforcement-trump/). The package was expected to include funding to replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles depleted by the war with Iran. As Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Graham would have been instrumental in crafting the package. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whom Trump nominated to replace Pam Bondi as AG, is also waiting to be confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which Graham served on. With all 10 Democrats on the committee opposed, Republicans can afford no defections. If any of the remaining 11 Republicans crosses party lines then Blanche’s nomination would fail to advance out of committee. ## Transcript [00:00] Lindsey took care of [00:01] his little sister in years long departed. [00:05] It's my honor to ask his little sister, [00:08] Darlene Graham, to finish his work for him now. [00:13] He loved his family and loved [00:15] serving this state and our country. [00:18] He dedicated his life to our country. [00:23] It is such a privilege to get to [00:26] finish some of his important work, [00:28] and I promise to work hard over [00:30] the next several months to support [00:32] the president and carry [00:34] forward the efforts of my brother on behalf of [00:37] the citizens of South Carolina and the United States. [00:41] I know Lindsey thought the world of [00:43] his staff and colleagues, [00:45] and with their support, I feel confident. [00:48] I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, [00:51] and I plan to honor him in this way. [00:55] Now to Lindsey. [00:58] I miss you more than I can even put into words. [01:03] But I'm going to do this. [01:05] I got it. 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