Pamela Evette to Replace Lindsey Graham on Ticket in South Carolina Senate Race, Odds Suggest

Written by :

t c jackson

Published on :

12 July, 2026

Pamela Evette to Replace Lindsey Graham on Ticket in South Carolina Senate Race, According to Oddsmakers

Pamela Evette is favored at -500 to replace Lindsey Graham in the South Carolina Senate race.

Graham, who had been a huge favorite to win his re-election, passed away suddenly Sunday morning at the age of 71.

Graham, a Republican and one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress who traveled the globe to advocate for a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy, has died after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said.

The statement posted on social media late Saturday did not provide any additional details about the South Carolina Republican, a former Air Force lawyer, and said his family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”

Some local South Carolina news outlets have reported the death was caused by cardiac arrest based on dispatch audio obtained.

Graham was one of the most influential figures in Washington on foreign policy, and he advised Trump on matters such as Iran and Russia.

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump posted on social media early Sunday. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”

Pamela Evette the Likely Heir Apparent

Because Senator Graham had secured the Republican nomination for the November election before his passing, the timeline for permanently replacing him involves a breakneck sequence.

A special candidate filing period opens on July 21 and runs through July 28. A special Republican primary election will be held on August 11, with a runoff—if necessary—on August 25.

Evette is an American politician and businesswoman serving as the 93rd lieutenant governor of South Carolina since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she was the CEO of Quality Business Solutions in Upstate South Carolina before her election as lieutenant governor.