Sen. Lindsey Graham dies suddenly while running for reelection in November, prompting South Carolina to begin the process for filling his U.S. Senate seat. Multiple reports note that Graham’s death occurs during the period when he was seeking another term, and that the vacancy now triggers state procedures for choosing a successor. Under South Carolina law, a special election is scheduled to select the next U.S. senator. The timing of that election is set in accordance with state requirements and will occur in the coming months rather than immediately appointing a replacement. As the process moves forward, the election will determine who serves out the remainder of Graham’s term, following the legal framework that applies when a Senate seat becomes vacant. Until the special election results, the seat remains vacant and no long-term successor is elected. The transition process therefore centers on organizing the special vote in South Carolina according to the applicable timetable.