The sudden death of influential Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina will have implications for legislative business in the Senate — where Republicans' slim margin is already under stress with the absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell after he was hospitalized— and the November election.
Here's what we know about what comes next.
Under state law, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary replacement to fill Graham's now-vacant seat.
But because Graham was up for reelection this year, his death will kick off a sprint primary election to replace him on the November ballot.
Officials have yet to announce how Graham will be replaced, but state law appears to call for a special primary election on August 11 — with a possible runoff on August 25 — to choose a new nominee.