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Who could replace Lindsey Graham? South Carolina's next steps after senator's death
By Meg Kinnard, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 13, 2026
· 5 min read
The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, who was running for a fifth term when he passed away over the weekend, began a tumultuous new chapter in South Carolina politics during a year that has already been full of upheaval.As the conservative state's senior senator and an influential ally of President D...
Key takeaway As the conservative state's senior senator and an influential ally of President Donald Trump, Graham was presumed to be on a glide path toward reelection.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio residents may not be directly impacted by the power vacuum in South Carolina, but the ripple effects of Senator Lindsey Graham's death could be felt in Texas. With a new senator set to be elected in November, the balance of power in the Senate could shift, potentially influencing federal policies that affect Texas, such as funding for border security or military bases. As Gov. Henry McMaster appoints a temporary replacement, San Antonio's own congressional delegation may be watching closely to see how the special primary unfolds and who emerges as the new Republican nominee. The outcome could have implications for Texas's own Senate races in the future, as ambitious conservatives in the Lone Star State take note of the scramble for Graham's seat. As the special primary election approaches, San Antonio's voters may want to pay attention to the candidates' stances on issues that matter to Texas, such as trade, energy, and healthcare.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, who was running for a fifth term when he passed away over the weekend, began a tumultuous new chapter in South Carolina politics during a year that has already been full of upheaval.As the conservative state's senior senator and an influential ally of President D...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Meg Kinnard, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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