What to know about South Carolina’s election to replace Lindsey Graham

What the report says

Republicans in South Carolina are voting in a special primary election on Tuesday to choose a candidate for the US Senate seat left open after the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. Al Jazeera reports that Graham died on July 11 from cardiovascular disease, upending what had been expected to be a routine contest in the red-leaning state. The winner of the Republican race will go on to face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November midterm election.

The field includes 10 Republican candidates, among them Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed by outgoing Governor Henry McMaster to serve the remainder of her brother’s term through January. Other notable contenders include US Representatives Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, businessman Mark Lynch, and former governor Mark Sanford. Polling cited by Al Jazeera suggests Darline Graham has taken an early lead, though the race remains open.

The article says South Carolina law requires a special election when a candidate who has won a primary leaves the race. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. The governor may appoint someone to fill the seat temporarily, but voters will determine who carries the Republican banner in the general election.

Beyond the immediate contest, the outcome could shape both party strategy and the broader midterm map. Al Jazeera notes that Republicans are still favored in the state, but Graham’s death may have improved Democratic prospects somewhat, especially as Andrews campaigns on change and health care concerns.