How Sen. Lindsey Graham's Senate seat will get filled

And I want to bring in Major Garrett back in now.Major, so how will South Carolina fill Graham's Senate seat both now and in selecting a Republican candidate for the midterm elections in November?

All right, Tom, let's go with the now part.The now part is in the hands of Governor Henry McMaster, who can appoint and will appoint someone to fill out what remains of Lindsey Graham's service in the Senate.That service time expires when the new Congress is sworn in January 2027.What about the permanent seat?Well, the permanent seat goes through a filing application process.July 21st is the date that opens.

Any candidate who wants to run for that seat, can put their filing in.That filing deadline closes on July 28th.Then there'll be a primary, a very quick primary, August 11th.If no candidate gets above 50 % and any runoff is required, Tom, that'll be conducted on August 25th.Now, a question naturally arises.Can the same person appointed to fill out the remainder, which is not much, now until January of Lindsey Graham's term, also file for that permanent seat?

Yes, in fact, they can.that person can.And here's some of the interesting dynamics so far, Tom, that we've learned about the appointment process.Senior House Republican leaders have made it clear to Governor McMaster they would prefer he not choose anyone from the current House Republican ranks.Why?Because they only have a two -seat majority in the House.

They don't want that thinned out by anyone moving over to serve in the Senate.That's a calculation that Governor McMaster will go through as well.So there's going to be an appointment.Then there'll be a process to file.Put your candidacy in.Participate in the August 11th primary.

And if there's a runoff, August 25th.And that's how this seat will be filled short and long term.