Republicans in South Carolina went to the polls on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, to select a candidate to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham in the United States Senate. The election comes less than five weeks after Graham's unexpected death on July 11 from cardiovascular disease.

During his 23 years in the Senate, Graham was known as one of the most hawkish voices in Congress, advocating for military intervention in Iran, Iraq, and other regions. A longtime ally of President Donald Trump, Graham had secured victory in South Carolina’s Republican primary on June 9.

Following Graham's death, outgoing Republican Governor Henry McMaster announced on July 13 his pick for the race: Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's sister. The two were said to be very close, with Lindsey Graham having helped raise her after their parents died.

Candidates were allowed to officially enter the race on the second Tuesday after the vacancy occurred, with the filing period open for one week. This special election will determine the Republican challenger for the midterm Senate race, which has been transformed by Graham's passing.

Tributes to Lindsey Graham were paid at a US Capitol ceremony, and footage showed him expressing strong emotions over the prospect of war on Iran. His funeral was attended by Donald Trump and world leaders.

Sources