While it is too soon to know who may be selected to serve out the remainder of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term, one former congressman’s name has been thrown into the ring.
Following the unexpected death of Graham, who was 71, some names have begun to surface as Republicans look to who will fill the shoes of the late South Carolina senator in the short term. Sen. Tim Scott suggested it could be former Rep. Trey Gowdy and has reportedly voiced his support.
“Scott, who appeared on Gowdy’s Fox News show Sunday night, has already made a round of calls pitching the former prosecutor as a possible short-term pick to serve out the remaining months of Graham’s term, which expires at the end of this year,” Politico reported. “Scott and Gowdy have long had a close relationship, beginning when the two were first elected to Congress in 2010, and authored a book together that was published in 2018.”
(Video: Fox News)
Gowdy, who represented South Carolina during his tenure in the House from 2011 to 2019, was emotional in his tribute to Graham during his Sunday broadcast. Graham was nominated to run for reelection in November, and now a special primary election will be held by South Carolina Republicans in August to determine who will run instead.
“Gowdy is not the only name floating as a possible replacement for Graham. South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster is leaning in a different direction and could move early this week, according to a person familiar with the matter,” Politico reported.
Sen. Tim Scott just now on @CNN on former Rep. Trey Gowdy being floated to replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate:
“Trey Gowdy would be a fantastic placeholder, but certainly there are other names in the mix…there’s no doubt in my mind that Trey would serve well.”
— Julia Manchester (@JuliaManch) July 13, 2026
And President Donald Trump, during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, said, “I have somebody that I think would be great.”
“But I don’t want to say it now because it’s just, it’s too soon with Lindsey,” Trump said. “I don’t wanna even talk about anybody, but I do have somebody that I think is really good.”
A source told Fox News Digital that South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has received “tons of encouragement from all across the state and from around the country” to fill in for Graham.
Some other South Carolina Republicans whose names have been floated so far include Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, Rep. Joe Wilson, as well as South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who terms out as governor.
The idea of Gowdy serving out the rest of Graham’s term got mixed reactions on social media.
Absolutely not. https://t.co/JzEoVCC5Z5
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) July 13, 2026
First it was Nikki Haley. Now Trey Gowdy. This is going to give me nightmares! https://t.co/Uz21N669iK
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) July 12, 2026
Awe Trey Gowdy just started to break down on the news over Lindsey 😭 He should be the next Senator of SC
— AlternativeConservative🖤 (@87babyFrom1900s) July 13, 2026
Trey Gowdy should be in consideration too. He would make a good fighter for SC and in the Senate.
— Moytoy🪬💙 (@acmoytoy) July 12, 2026
For the record, Trey Gowdy or Nicki Haley would be TERRIBLE choices to replace Lindsey Graham.
— Mila Joy (@Milajoy) July 13, 2026
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.