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BigmanPigman

(55,878 posts)
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 04:12 AM Sunday

What are the rules for replacing seats?

Different states have different rules for filling vacant seats. What are the rules in Kentucky and South Carolina as well as the time frame?

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Lifeafter70

(1,308 posts)
1. From what I read the governor appointments a successor
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 04:22 AM
Sunday

I'm not sure since this is an election year whether they serve until January and a special election is held or if he is just replaced on the November ballet

mercuryblues

(16,603 posts)
2. I just looked up SC
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 04:23 AM
Sunday

Governor names replacement until a special election.

This is my guess. There won't be a special election this close to a general election.

I am wondering if it is too late to replace Graham's name on the voting machines.

LeftInTX

(35,301 posts)
3. It probably isn't. The SC GOP executive committee will appoint a nominee.
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 05:08 AM
Sunday

Deadline to w/d is Sept 4th. It looks like the latest the put someone on the ballot is Aug 17th

mercuryblues

(16,603 posts)
4. That is what I expect
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 05:10 AM
Sunday

The Governor would appt someone who will also replace Graham on the ballot.

LeftInTX

(35,301 posts)
5. The South Carolina Republican Party will do it.
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 05:13 AM
Sunday

It's like a mini-RNC convention. They have nominees and then they have about 50-100 members who will vote. (Delegates)

It's a little like what they're gonna do in ME. However, ME is gonna have caucuses open to Democratic voters. I know in Texas, it would have to be the State Executive Committee.

mercuryblues

(16,603 posts)
6. Yes, McMasters
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 05:27 AM
Sunday

Will work with the GOP, and place whoever they agree on to fill the seat. It will give the seat filler a few months of free publicity and make him/her become a household name.

As much as the GOP would like to, they can't wait for a special election, when a general election is a few months away.
They can always leave the seat empty and just name someone to take his place on the ballot, IMO that would be stupid.



onenote

(46,533 posts)
9. Nikki Haley already is a household name in SC
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 08:22 AM
Sunday

Trump might be a big fan anymore, but I suspect she'd be difficult to defeat in SC.

hlthe2b

(115,523 posts)
7. Years ago, Missouri's Senator Mel Carnahan was killed in a plane crash close before election...
Sun Jul 12, 2026, 06:22 AM
Sunday

His name was thus on the ballot and he won. (yup, let the Quija board references commence).

But, regardless, a replacement for his term (Ashcroft) was named by the governor. I assume similar for SC--albeit there is more time before November to do otherwise, so we shall see...

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