Key events2m agoGraham’s death triggers a scramble to replace him – what happens next?19m agoLawmakers return to Congress as Graham's death triggers scramble to replace himGraham’s death triggers a scramble to replace him – what happens next?George ChidiSouth Carolina’s governor, Henry McMaster, has the political decision of a lifetime with the unexpected death in office of Senator Lindsey Graham. The Republican governor and loyalist of Donald Trump will appoint a new senator to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on 3 January.Whoever McMaster appoints will likely have a leg up in a special primary election on 11 August to fill Graham’s place on the November ballot, which he won despite facing five challengers from his party in June. That election calendar favors candidates with wide name recognition and deep institutional support.The candidate would still run against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who gained significant support in the red state, but still faces an uphill challenge.Congressman Joe Wilson has reportedly expressed interest in the seat. Of the Republican delegation to Washington, Wilson is the longest tenured. He has represented South Carolina’s second congressional district since 2001, and his activism within the state’s Republican party predates its dominance in the state’s politics.“With the passing of Senator Lindsay Graham he will always be cherished as an American Patriot tireless for peace through strength successful defeating totalitarians,” Wilson wrote on X. “All three generations of the Wilson family extend deepest sympathy and appreciation of his dedicated service.”Lawmakers return to Congress as Graham's death triggers scramble to replace himHello and welcome to the US politics live blog.Republican lawmakers return to the Capitol this week after the unexpected death in office of Lindsey Graham, as the party seeks to appoint a new senator to see out his term.Lawmakers from both parties are eager to highlight before voters legislative victories ahead of the midterms, where control of Congress is at stake.But for Senate Republicans, who are already navigating an array of demands from Trump, their agenda grew further complicated over the weekend with the death of Lindsey Graham, the budget committee chair who is a key player in negotiating a party line bill to fund additional defense spending and other priorities outlined by the president.South Carolina governor Henry McMaster is tasked with appointing a new senator to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on 3 January. The appointment is expected to be announced in a matter of days.Whoever is chosen will likely have a leg up in a special primary election on 11 August to fill Graham’s place on the November ballot, which he won despite facing five challengers from his party in June.The candidate would still run against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who gained significant support in the red state, but still faces an uphill challenge.It means that together with the ongoing absence of Mitch McConnell for unexplained health issues, Senate Republicans will have to navigate a majority that’s down two members.Read the full story here:In other developments: