South Carolina law for filling Lindsey Graham Senate seat vacancy

State law grants an interim pick because his death fell more than 100 days before the already-set November vote.

Section 7-19-20 empowers the governor to appoint an interim senator immediately.
The appointee holds the seat until January 3, 2027, when a winner is sworn in.
November's already-scheduled election, not a new one, will now decide the full term.

Why it matters: A statute meant to prevent an empty seat now lets one governor decide who fills it.

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