President Donald Trump says he already knows who he believes should replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
But he’s not ready to reveal that name just yet.
Graham’s unexpected death has launched one of the most closely watched Republican political battles in the country, with South Carolina preparing to fill a vacant U.S. Senate seat that could play a major role in preserving the GOP’s narrow majority in Washington.
With Republicans holding a slim Senate majority and Sen. Mitch McConnell’s return to Capitol Hill still uncertain, the race to replace Lindsey Graham has quickly become one of the most significant political stories in the nation.
Trump Says He Already Has a Candidate in Mind
During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, President Donald Trump confirmed that he has someone in mind to replace Graham but said it was too soon to discuss potential successors.
“I have somebody that I think would be great,” Trump said.
The president added that he wanted to wait before naming anyone out of respect for his longtime ally.
“But I don’t want to say it now because it’s just too soon with Lindsey,” Trump said. “I don’t want to even talk about anybody, but I do have somebody that I think is really good.”
Trump’s comments immediately fueled speculation over who could receive his highly sought-after endorsement in what is expected to become one of the Republican Party’s most competitive Senate races.
Why Replacing Lindsey Graham Matters
The vacancy comes at a critical moment for Senate Republicans.
The GOP currently controls the Senate with a narrow majority, meaning every Republican vote carries added importance as lawmakers work through the remainder of the legislative session.
Because of that slim margin, South Carolina’s next senator could play a meaningful role in advancing President Trump’s legislative priorities and helping Republicans maintain control of the chamber.
Henry McMaster Will Choose the Temporary Senator
Under South Carolina law, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster is responsible for appointing a temporary replacement to fill Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat.
McMaster, one of Trump’s longest-serving political allies, has the authority to announce his appointment whenever he chooses.
As of Sunday, the governor’s office had not publicly identified potential candidates or provided a timeline for making the appointment.
Since Graham had already secured the Republican nomination for another Senate term earlier this year, McMaster’s appointee would serve through the remainder of Graham’s current term before voters select a long-term successor in a special election.
Special Election Set to Begin Soon
The process for choosing Lindsey Graham’s permanent replacement is expected to move quickly.
Candidate filing for the Republican nomination opens on July 21, while the special election is currently scheduled for Aug. 11 under South Carolina election law.
Political observers expect a crowded Republican field, with several well-known conservative leaders weighing whether to enter the race.
Trump Praises Gov. Henry McMaster
President Trump spoke highly of McMaster during his television interview, recalling the governor’s early support during the 2016 presidential campaign.
“Henry’s been a great governor,” Trump said. “He’s going to do the right thing. I think Henry will be fantastic.”
Those comments are likely to increase attention on McMaster’s eventual appointment, especially given Trump’s influence among Republican voters across South Carolina.
Who Could Replace Lindsey Graham?
Several prominent Republicans are already being mentioned as possible candidates.
Rep. Nancy Mace is reportedly considering a campaign after falling short in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary. A source familiar with her plans said she is weighing whether to enter the Senate race.
Rep. Ralph Norman is also exploring a bid. According to a source familiar with the congressman’s thinking, Norman is seriously considering running and is expected to make an announcement on Tuesday.
Rep. Joe Wilson, however, has indicated he plans to remain in the House of Representatives.
After speaking with President Trump following Graham’s death, Wilson wrote on X that he intends to stay in Congress and help Republicans protect their narrow House majority rather than pursue a Senate campaign.
Meanwhile, Reps. Russell Fry, William Timmons and Sheri Biggs have not publicly announced whether they plan to seek the vacant Senate seat.
Pamela Evette Also Draws Attention
South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is another Republican whose name continues to circulate as a possible choice.
According to a source familiar with the discussions, Evette has received significant encouragement from supporters both inside South Carolina and across the country to accept a temporary appointment and potentially campaign for a full six-year Senate term.
Evette has long been considered a close political ally of both President Trump and Gov. McMaster.
Earlier this year, she won the Republican gubernatorial primary with support from both leaders. However, after Trump later endorsed her runoff opponent, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Evette was defeated in the final round of voting.
Trump’s Endorsement Could Shape the Race
Although Gov. McMaster will make the temporary appointment, President Trump’s endorsement is expected to carry enormous weight once the Republican primary begins.
Trump remains the most influential figure in Republican politics, and his backing has helped shape numerous GOP primary contests in recent years.
Whoever ultimately earns Trump’s support could enter the race with a significant advantage among Republican voters.
What Happens Next?
South Carolina Republicans now face two major decisions.
First, Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement to serve in the U.S. Senate.
Next, Republican voters will choose a long-term successor during the special election process, with candidate filing beginning July 21 and voting scheduled for Aug. 11.
As the field begins to take shape, President Donald Trump’s influence is expected to remain front and center. With control of a key Republican Senate seat at stake, the race to replace Lindsey Graham is likely to become one of the most closely watched political contests in the country over the coming weeks.
