New Actor: McMaster Appoints Darline Graham Nordone to Graham's Seat

South Carolina election officials said on July 13 a special Republican primary will be held in August to select a new nominee for the U.S. Senate, following Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death on July 11.

Preliminary findings from the medical examiner indicate Graham, 71, died from an aortic dissection, also described as a tear in the aorta, after a brief and sudden illness; BBC also characterized the cause as heart-related. The Washington Post added he died hours after returning from a trip to Ukraine.

The Senate returned to Washington on Monday, July 13, with lawmakers paying tribute on the floor to the 23-year Senate veteran from South Carolina, according to CBS and The Hill. ABC News and PBS said Republicans face an uncertain agenda in Graham’s absence.

WLTX reported the August contest will choose the GOP nominee for the seat, while Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews is already in the race as her party’s nominee, according to The 19th News.

The Telegraph reported the FBI was called in after Graham’s death and that police ruled out foul play on Sunday.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources