Republican Candidates File After Death of Senator Lindsey Graham

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died of an aortic dissection on July 11, 2026, at age 71. A former Air Force colonel and close ally of Donald Trump, Graham spent his final days working on the SAVE America Act and a tax cut-and-border security package. Memorial services begin Tuesday with an arrival ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and a funeral at the Washington National Cathedral, where President Donald Trump will deliver a tribute and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will attend. Events continue Wednesday in Columbia, South Carolina, with a public procession from the State House, an F-16 flyover, and a service at the First Baptist Church of Columbia before a private burial in Pickens County.

Following the vacancy, his sister, Darline Graham, was appointed to fill the remainder of his term. A race to determine the seat's long-term holder for the 2026 midterm elections is now underway, with filing having begun on July 21. The Republican field includes Darline Graham, U.S. Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, and former Governor Mark Sanford. Other candidates include former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride and Duke Buckner.

A special primary is scheduled for August 11 to determine the Republican nominee, who will then face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November general election.