(The Hill) – In the wake of the sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Saturday evening, a political race has swiftly commenced to find his replacement.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) has taken immediate steps to address the vacancy, with plans to announce an interim appointment for the veteran senator this coming Monday at 4 p.m. EDT, as stated by his office.
The upcoming appointee will carry out senatorial duties for a brief period—slightly over five months—until a new successor is formally elected by South Carolina’s voters to officially assume the role on January 3, 2027.
A special primary election, slated for August 11, will enable South Carolinians to cast their votes to determine the GOP nominee. Should no candidate secure a decisive win, an additional runoff will occur on August 25.
The Republican candidate who emerges victoriously from this political contest will then face the Democratic challenger, Annie Andrews, in the general election scheduled for November.
Here’s who’s on the short list of potential candidates to replace Graham:
Darline Graham Nordone, Graham’s sister
The sister of the late senator, Graham Nordone has already been recommended to replace him temporarily by the most prominent Republican, President Trump.
“I recommended, to Governor Henry McMaster, Lindsey Graham’s wonderful sister, Darline, to serve as interim Senator from the Great State of South Carolina. This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
Graham Nordone’s older brother ultimately raised her after she was orphaned by the loss of both of their parents within 15 months.
By 1976, Graham, who was in his twenties, stepped up to raise his then-12-year-old sister while juggling classes at the University of South Carolina.
Now she could step in into Graham’s shoes in the 119th Congress.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.)
Norman is exploring a run to replace Graham as the GOP nominee for Senate, a source familiar with the campaign confirmed to The Hill.
Norman has already asked for the president’s endorsement, according to Bloomberg Government.
Trump told the South Carolina lawmaker “give me a week” before he makes a decision on backing Norman or another Republican to replace Graham, who was a well-respected defense hawk and close ally of the president.
Earlier this year, Norman lost the Republican nomination to become South Carolina’s next governor.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (R-S.C.)
Evette is another potential candidate that could file paperwork to replace Graham long term. She received Trump’s original endorsement to become the Palmetto State’s next governor, but ultimately loss the nomination in a runoff against Attorney General Alan Wilson (R).
Sources told The Associated Press that she’s fielded calls about serving as Graham’s replacement after serving under McMaster for nearly eight years.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.)
Mace is expected to conduct polling on her chances of serving as Graham’s replacement as soon as next week.
She and others vying for the party nomination have until July 28 to file paperwork after the filing period opens on July 21. Mace lost the Republican nomination for the South Carolina governorship earlier this year.
Due to her gubernatorial campaign, she forfeited a chance at retaining her seat in the House.
In recent months, Mace has towed the line with Trump, siding with Democrats on efforts to release the files from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate and heavily opposing putting boots on the ground in Iran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
Some are eying Bessent to take up Graham’s seat. The Cabinet secretary, who previously resided in South Carolina before joining the second Trump administration, has not mentioned any interest.
However, he did reflect on Graham’s legacy in a Sunday statement.
“It was an honor to call him my friend. And work with him to advance President Trump’s agenda at home and on the international stage,” Bessent wrote in the post on X.
“Lindsey was a one-of-a-kind politician who could speak at length on both global defense policy and South Carolina kitchen table issues. He will be missed across our state, country and the entire globe,” he added.
Rep. William Timmons (R-S.C.)
Timmons has said he was open to replacing Graham if called upon.
“If and when the time comes to discuss the future, I have always been willing to serve South Carolina wherever I can make the greatest difference,” Timmons told CNBC in a statement.
Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.)
Fry has been a staunch ally of Trump’s in the lower chamber and could be another name considered for the role.
He endorsed Graham’s sister to serve as the late senator’s temporary replacement.
“I couldn’t agree with President Trump more— having Senator Graham’s sister, Darline, finish his term would be the most utmost tribute to Lindsey’s life of service,” Fry wrote in a post on X.
Former Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.)
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) spoke in favor of Gowdy replacing Graham at least temporarily.
“Trey Gowdy would be a fantastic placeholder, but certainly there are other names in the mix,” Scott told CNN on Monday. “There’s no doubt in my mind that Trey would serve well.”
Scott has also floated former Sen. Jim DeMint (D-S.C.) as a potential GOP candidate.