South Carolina will open a one-week filing period on July 21, hold a special Republican primary on Aug. 11 and, if needed, a runoff on Aug. 25 after Lindsey Graham’s death.
Gov. Henry McMaster must appoint a temporary senator to serve until January, and that pick could shape the race because the appointee may enter the special primary.
Pamela Evette, Nancy Mace and Russell Fry are among Republicans being discussed, while House members face pressure to stay put because Republicans hold only a slim House majority.
The compressed calendar collides with the 45-day federal deadline for sending military and overseas ballots before the Nov. 3 general election, leaving election logistics unclear.
Republicans remain favored in a state where Graham won by 10 points in 2020, but Democrat Annie Andrews has raised more than $8 million and Graham’s death also strips South Carolina of senior Senate clout.