Who Might Replace the Late Sen. Lindsey Graham? A Simple Guide

What Happened to Sen. Lindsey Graham?

Sen. Lindsey Graham was a Republican senator from South Carolina (we write "R-S.C." to show his party and state). He has passed away. Because his seat in the Senate is now empty, someone new needs to take his place.

There is a special election (a quick vote just for this open spot) planned for August 11 to choose who will finish his term.

Who Is In Charge of Picking a Replacement?

The Republican leader who is responsible for raising money and supporting Senate candidates has been thinking about two people who could replace Graham.

At the same time, President Donald Trump is expected to have a big say in who gets the job.

Sen. Tim Scott Really Wants Trey Gowdy

Sen. Tim Scott is also a Republican senator from South Carolina. He has been getting lots of phone calls from past and present members of Congress who want to run in the special election.

But there is only one person Scott keeps calling: former Rep. Trey Gowdy, also a Republican from South Carolina.

Important Point: Scott says Gowdy would be an amazing senator for South Carolina, but Gowdy has clearly said he is NOT looking for the job.

At an event on Wednesday to remember Graham, Scott said:

• "I have an affinity for Trey Gowdy" (that means he really likes and respects him).
• "Trey would be an amazing senator for South Carolina."
• He joked Gowdy might not take the job because of "the alimony or the pay cut," but added Gowdy is happily married.

Who Is Trey Gowdy?

• He served in the House of Representatives (the "lower chamber" of Congress) for 8 years.
• He retired in 2019.
• He became well known for leading a committee that questioned Hillary Clinton about a 2012 attack in Libya where 4 Americans died.
• He now works as a host on Fox News.
• He used to be a prosecutor (a lawyer who argues against criminals in court).

Scott believes Gowdy could step right into the job because:

• He has years of experience in Congress.
• He has skills similar to Graham (prosecutor background and foreign policy knowledge).
• He could join the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Graham was supposed to become the leader next year, and help pick a new Supreme Court Justice if needed.

Scott said: "I can’t think of a better person that represents the heart of South Carolina than Trey Gowdy."

Others in the Mix

Rep. Russell Fry

• Trump handpicked Fry to run for the House 4 years ago.
• Trump says Fry is "a person to watch" in the special election.
• Fry has been talking with the White House about joining the race.
• Scott said the president’s enthusiasm for Fry is "no surprise," but no official endorsement from the White House has been announced yet.

Sen. Darline Graham

• She is Lindsey Graham’s sister.
• She was appointed to temporarily fill her brother’s seat.
• Scott thinks she has gotten off to a "remarkable start."
• His reaction: "Why not her, would be my question."

Summary

After Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death, South Carolina needs a new senator. Sen. Tim Scott is pushing for former Rep. Trey Gowdy, but Gowdy says he doesn’t want the job. President Trump likes Rep. Russell Fry, who is talking to the White House about running. Scott also thinks Graham’s sister, Sen. Darline Graham, is doing great and could keep the seat. A special election is set for August 11.

FAQ

1. What is a special election?
It is a special vote held outside the normal schedule to fill a political seat that became empty, like when a senator passes away.

2. Why does President Trump matter in this?
As the Republican president, Trump has a lot of influence over who the party supports, and his pick can shape who wins the seat.

3. Is Trey Gowdy definitely running?
No. Scott is trying to get him interested, but Gowdy has been clear he is not asking for or looking for the job.

4. Who is currently filling Lindsey Graham’s seat?
His sister, Sen. Darline Graham, was appointed to serve until the election or formal replacement is completed.

5. What is the Senate Judiciary Committee?
It is a group of senators who review and debate things like new Supreme Court justice choices; Graham was expected to lead it next year.