Republican Senator and foreign policy hawk Graham dies suddenly from illness; Trump suggests his sister fill the vacant seat.

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Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has suddenly passed away, leaving a sensitive vacancy in the US Senate. Trump quickly intervened, publicly recommending his sister to fill the seat. The Governor of South Carolina will hold a press conference on the interim appointment, quietly kicking off a political struggle around this Senate seat.

On Monday, Trump posted on his social media platform TruthSocial, urging South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as interim senator to fill the remainder of her brother’s term.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott immediately echoed on X, stating that Nordone is "an excellent choice to fill the remainder of the term." It is reported that McMaster is scheduled to hold a press conference at 4 PM on Monday to announce the interim appointment.

Lindsey Graham was known for his hawkish foreign policy and transformed from a Trump skeptic into one of the president’s staunchest allies. His sudden death has attracted much attention against the backdrop of an already evenly divided Senate. The appointment of an interim successor is crucial for advancing legislative agendas for the White House and Republican Senate leaders.

Graham’s Sudden Death Leaves Seat Vacant

Graham was 71 years old and died suddenly last Saturday. According to preliminary findings from Washington DC's medical examiner, the cause of death was aortic dissection, rooted in arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease; this conclusion was released by Graham’s office.

Graham spent more than twenty years in the Senate and was an important political ally of Trump. At the time of his death, he was in the midst of a reelection campaign.

According to South Carolina law, Republican Governor McMaster has the authority to appoint an interim successor to complete Graham’s remaining term.

Trump and Scott Both Endorse Nordone

Trump wrote on TruthSocial: "I have recommended Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline to Governor Henry McMaster to serve as the interim senator from South Carolina. This would be the best tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly."

Tim Scott also posted on X:

"After speaking with Darline, I am convinced that no one understands Lindsey’s deep affection for family, our state, and our country more than she does."

Public endorsements by two heavyweight Republicans further pave the way for Nordone’s interim appointment.

Formal Seat Contest Ignites Early

Beyond the interim appointment, the long-term ownership of this Senate seat in South Carolina has also attracted much attention.

According to state laws, a special primary will be held on August 11, and the winner will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the November election. The well-known election analysis firm "Cook Political Report with Amy Walter" rates the seat as "Solid R" (Safe Republican).

Currently, several potential candidates have emerged. South Carolina Representatives Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, William Timmons, Russell Fry, and Joe Wilson are all considered possible contenders; among them, Mace and Norman have previously failed in gubernatorial races. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette may also join the race.

In addition, outgoing Governor McMaster himself is seen as a possible candidate for the Senate seat. In interviews, Trump has praised the governor, saying he "would be outstanding," a phrase full of meaning.

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