According to statements released by his office, Senator Graham died on July 11, 2026, at age 71, following what was described as a "brief and sudden illness." Graham built a reputation as one of the Senate's leading voices on national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments. Throughout his career, he advocated for a strong U.S. military, increased defense spending, and an active American role on the global stage. Pres. Trump posted on Truth Social:In South Carolina, a vacancy in the U.S. Senate is handled in two parallel tracks—one to ensure the state has representation immediately, and another to allow voters to choose the next senator. The governor appoints an interim senator. Governor Henry McMaster has the authority to appoint someone to fill the seat immediately. The appointee serves until the end of the current term or until a successor elected under state law is qualified. In Lindsey Graham's case, because his current term was set to expire on January 3, 2027, the appointment would last only for the remainder of that term. The election proceeds for the new six-year term. Graham had already won the Republican primary for the Senate election scheduled for November 2026. Because he died after becoming the party's nominee, South Carolina law requires the Republican Party to hold a special primary to select a replacement nominee for the November general election. If necessary, there is also a runoff. The winner of the November election will begin the new six-year Senate term on January 3, 2027. This article was written by fl932d6e52a19643278e0f123bca7198f5 at investinglive.com.