this U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham dies The 71-year-old’s office confirmed the news in a statement posted on social media. His office said he died Saturday night.brief and sudden illness“.
Graham is a Republican senator from South Carolina. He first entered the U.S. Senate in 2002 after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, KCRA 3 reported. Since his presidential campaign, Graham has become one of President Donald Trump’s closest political allies.
What happens to Graham’s Senate seat now?
South Carolina law requires Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint an interim replacement graham senate seat. The interim senator will serve until January 3 next year. The governor has the power to select virtually anyone who meets the legal requirements.
Unlike some other states, South Carolina law does not require the governor to appoint someone from Graham’s Republican Party. That means Gov. Henry McMaster has broad latitude in deciding who to serve as interim senator, KCRA 3 reported.
How to choose a permanent replacement?
Graham is running for re-election and won the Republican nomination earlier this year. Since he died before the election, Republicans must now choose a new Senate candidate. A special Republican primary must be held to choose a new Republican nominee, Fox Carolina reports. The filing period for candidates could begin as early as July 21.
The Republican special primary must be held before August 11. If no candidate wins enough votes, a runoff election will be held in two weeks. The Republican winner will face Democratic candidate Dr. Anne Andrews in the November general election.
What did Anne Andrews say?
Democratic candidate Dr. Anne Andrews offered her condolences to Graham’s family following his death. According to a statement from Anne Andrews, she said her condolences go out to Graham’s family, friends, staff and all those mourning his death. Andrews praised Graham’s service as a joint forces officer and Air Force colonel. She also thanked him for his service to South Carolina and urged people to put politics aside as they honor his memory.
Why does it need to be replaced?
The U.S. Constitution requires that Senate vacancies be filled, but each state can decide how the process works. In 46 U.S. states, the governor can appoint a temporary senator until voters elect a permanent senator, KCRA 3 reported.
Four states, Kentucky, North Dakota, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, do not allow interim appointments and instead await special elections. Regardless of which system is used, voters ultimately choose the person who serves out the remainder of the Senate term.
Who can replace Lindsey Graham?
No official replacement has been announced yet. The first decision will now be made by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who will appoint an interim senator, Fox Carolina reported. The permanent Republican nominee will then be selected through a special Republican primary, who will run against Democrat Dr. Anne Andrews in the November election.
