By Skylar Laird | Reporter
The biggest news out of South Carolina this week was certainly the sudden death of Republican U.S. Sen Lindsey Graham. We have more information below on his memorial services, the special election to replace him and his sister’s swearing in.
“I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey.” - President Donald Trump, in a social media post endorsing the late Lindsey Graham’s sister if she runs for U.S. Senate.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham speaks as S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster looks on at the Statehouse on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022. (File photo by Travis Bell/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)
By Jane Norman and SC Daily Gazette staff
News of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death early Sunday morning came as a shock to everyone I know. Graham rose from his parents’ bar and pool hall in Central to one of the most influential senators in the country. Keep reading for updated information on his memorial service and the upcoming special election.
MORE ON LINDSEY GRAHAM…
Memorials for Lindsey Graham will be in Washington and SC | Seanna Adcox
Darline Graham, Lindsey’s sister, sworn in as his US Senate replacement | By Shauneen Miranda in D.C.
SC governor appoints Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister to fulfill his term | By Jessica Holdman
After US Sen Lindsey Graham’s death, Trump recommends Graham’s sister to fill out term | By Jennifer Shutt in D.C.
U.S. Sen. Darline Graham in a reenactment of her swearing-in on July 14, 2026, alongside husband Larry Nordone and Iowa GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)
By Jessica Holdman
President Donald Trump, in a Friday social media post, said he would endorse the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, if she decides to run for a full term. Darline Graham was sworn into the Senate this week in her brother’s place. If she does run, she will likely face an extremely crowded field. Filing for the election opens next week.
MORE ON THE UPCOMING SPECIAL ELECTION…
It’s official: SC Republicans already on the ballot can run for Senate too | By Jessica Holdman
Early voting is 3 weeks away in special GOP primary following Lindsey Graham’s death | By Jessica Holdman
Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, and Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, pictured Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. (File/Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)
By Skylar Laird
Budget negotiators met twice this week but still have yet to reach a deal on a final state spending plan. State government can continue operating under a stopgap law allowing agencies to continue receiving their existing levels of funding, and one of three ways to move forward legislators suggested this week involves keeping that in place indefinitely. But that could bring consequences for grocery aid, public health care and school districts giving teachers raises.
MORE IN STATE SPENDING…
OTHER NEWS FROM THIS WEEK...
SC man to spend 9 years in prison for shooting at Black neighbor | By Skylar Laird
IN COMMENTARY THIS WEEK...
How Lindsey Graham’s ability to read the moment propelled him to political relevance for 3 decades | By Gibbs Knotts and Christopher A. Cooper, political science professors
Remembering two sides of Lindsey Graham: gangster and American Dreamer | By columnist Paul Hyde
SC veterans deserve a conversation on legalizing medical marijuana | By Dray Orion, a U.S. Army veteran
MORE FROM OUR AFFILIATES...
Salad greens scrutinized as cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads | From Stateline
Political parties boast new clout and cash in midterms thanks to US Supreme Court | By David Lightman in D.C.
US House passes bipartisan bill to make daylight saving time permanent | By Amelia Twyman in D.C.
SC lawmakers talk online child safety and AI policy at annual bipartisan summit | By Amelia Twyman in D.C.
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