government
What happens next after Lindsey Graham's death? South Carolina law lays out process
By Tim Renaud at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
South Carolina law calls for a temporary appointment to fill the current Senate vacancy and a special Republican primary to select a replacement nominee for the November election. Voters would then choose who serves the next Senate term through the election process established under state law.
Key takeaway Voters would then choose who serves the next Senate term through the election process established under state law.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The process to fill the Senate vacancy in South Carolina may seem distant from El Paso , but the implications of this special election can have a ripple effect on the national stage, potentially influencing the legislative agenda and policy decisions that impact border communities like El Paso. As the special Republican primary and subsequent November election unfold, El Pasoans should pay attention to the candidates' stances on issues like border security, trade, and immigration, which are crucial to the local economy and quality of life. The outcome of this election could also shift the balance of power in the Senate, affecting the passage of bills that address regional concerns, such as funding for transportation infrastructure or support for local law enforcement agencies. El Pasoans should stay informed about the developments in this election, as the consequences of the outcome may be felt closer to home than they think.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? South Carolina law calls for a temporary appointment to fill the current Senate vacancy and a special Republican primary to select a replacement nominee for the November election. Voters would then choose who serves the next Senate term through the election process established under state law.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tim Renaud at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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