How Lindsey Graham’s death could upend Senate and White House agenda
The sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., could put Republicans in a bind ahead of key votes less than four months from the midterms, including those to advance White House initiatives and nominees.
The issues are not insignificant. They include President Donald Trump’s request for a massive defense spending package amid the Iran war, funding for the State Department and a looming confirmation battle over whether to advance the president’s nomination of Todd Blanche to become permanent attorney general.
Just on Friday, Graham, who was a staunch supporter of Ukraine, announced that he and a bipartisan group of senators won White House support for a bill sanctioning Russia.
Graham, whose office said he died Saturday night “from from a brief and sudden illness,” was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Appropriations Committee and Budget Committee, which he chaired.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is tasked with appointing Graham’s temporary replacement until a special election takes place later this summer to choose his successor. In response to an email from MS NOW requesting information about the Senate and ballot vacancy, a spokeswoman for the governor said, “At this time, our focus is on honoring Senator Graham’s life and service. Questions regarding the process for filling the vacancy will be addressed by the Governor’s Office when there are updates to share.”
There is at least some precedent for what happens next. After Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., died in September 2023, Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., was named her replacement by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Then, after she was approved by unanimous consent, Butler assumed some of Feinstein’s committee assignments, including those on Judiciary and Rules.
The most immediate major vote is the one to advance Blanche’s nomination as attorney general. He’s scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing. Without Graham, the committee is down to 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats, which means that if one Republican votes against Blanche in committee, his nomination will be stalled.
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Erum Salam is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW, with a focus on how global events and foreign policy shape U.S. politics. She previously was a breaking news reporter for The Guardian.
