Who will replace Sen. Lindsey Graham? Potential candidates for South Carolina's Senate seat

Soon after the announcement of the U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's passing away , the questions started speculating who will will replace Trump's alley for the new position at the U.S. senate.

Longtime South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died on July 11 at age 71 after a brief and sudden illness.

Currently, Republicans hold 52 seats in the 100-member chamber, after losing Graham to a “brief and sudden illness” late on Saturday.

Several Republicans are already being discussed as possible successors, including Rep. Joe Wilson, Rep., Ralph Norman, Rep. Nancy Mace, Businessman Mark Lynch and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

While the U.S. president Donald Trump suggests he is aso considering a potential candidate to fill the late senator’s seat in South Carolina as Graham was one of his closest allies on Capitol Hill.

Following the sudden passing of Senator  Graham, Republican Governor Henry McMaster is tasked with appointing a temporary successor to fill the seat immediately and serve out the remainder of Graham's current term, which runs until January 2027.

“In case of a vacancy in the office of United States Senator from death, resignation or otherwise, the Governor may fill the place by appointment,” the law says.

In his statement, McMaster called the late senator the “fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America and a loyal and steadfast friend”.

Graham’s term was set to expire in January. He was running for re-election in the November midterm vote.

Under South Carolina law, McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement to serve until the seat is filled through the election process.

While a special primary and the November election will determine who serves the remainder of Graham's term.

Importantly, the first round of voting is set for August 11, and if no candidate wins a majority of the votes, a run-off would take place on August 25.