GOP leaders move to fill Graham Senate seat after his death

South Carolina Republicans are preparing for a twostep process to replace Sen. Lindsey Graham after his sudden death from an undisclosed illness. Gov. Henry McMaster will first appoint a temporary successor to serve until a special election is held. The filing period for the GOP nomination opens July 21, with the special election scheduled for Aug. 11 under state law. President Donald Trump said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he already has someone in mind for the seat, though he declined to name the person. The process comes as Senate Republicans are working with a narrow majority and want to avoid losing any more votes. Several South Carolina Republicans are being discussed as possible contenders, including Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. McMaster himself could also be in the mix, while other members of the state’s congressional delegation have not signaled plans to run.