Tim Scott Endorses Trey Gowdy for Lindsey Graham's Senate Term as GOP Majority Shrinks to 52-47
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 13
Tim Scott Endorses Trey Gowdy for Lindsey Graham's Senate Term as GOP Majority Shrinks to 52-47
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 13
Summary
Tim Scott backed former Rep. Trey Gowdy to complete Lindsey Graham’s Senate term, accelerating the scramble to fill the South Carolina vacancy after Graham’s death.
52-47 is now the Senate GOP edge, and effectively tighter if Mitch McConnell remains sidelined, leaving Republicans with less room to confirm attorney general nominee Todd Blanche and move other priorities.
This week’s agenda is already under strain: Graham had been expected to help steer the defense policy bill and a $350 billion defense spending package tied to the Iran war.
Ron Johnson said he is ready to take over the Budget Committee gavel, but his deficit focus could complicate the Pentagon funding push that Graham had been leading.
South Carolina Republicans face an Aug. 11 snap primary for the ballot slot, while House Republicans are quietly resisting any pick from their chamber that would further cut their narrow majority.