government
Lindsey Graham’s death will shake the Senate and November election. Here’s what comes next
By Ethan Cohen, Alison Main at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 12, 2026
· 3 min read
The sudden death of influential Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham will have implications for legislative business in the Senate and the November election. Heres what we know about what comes next.How will Grahams seat get filled?Under state law, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a tempo...
Key takeaway Officials have yet to announce how Graham will be replaced, but state law appears to call for a special primary election on August 11 with a possible runoff on August 25 to choose a new nominee.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The impact of Senator Lindsey Graham's death will be felt beyond South Carolina, with potential repercussions for Tennessee's own legislative priorities. As the Senate budget committee, which Graham chaired, navigates the complicated budget reconciliation process, Tennesseans may see delays or changes in federal funding for key state projects. Nashville 's own congressional delegation will likely be watching the special primary election in South Carolina closely, as the outcome could affect the balance of power in the Senate and potentially alter the trajectory of legislation affecting Tennessee. With the Senate already operating short-handed due to Senator Mitch McConnell's hospitalization, the pressure is on Governor Henry McMaster to make a quick appointment, which could have a ripple effect on the legislative agenda, including issues like voter ID bills that may have implications for Tennessee's own election laws.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The sudden death of influential Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham will have implications for legislative business in the Senate and the November election. Heres what we know about what comes next.How will Grahams seat get filled?Under state law, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a tempo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ethan Cohen, Alison Main at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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