A special primary election will be held after the death of the Republican Party nominee for U.S. Senate, Lindsey Graham. The nominee resulting from this special primary will be a candidate on the November 3, 2026, General Election Ballot.

Voters who participated in the Republican Primary or did not vote in either party’s June primary are eligible to vote in the August 11 Special Republican Primary, while voters who participated in the June Democratic Primary are not eligible to vote. Early voting will also be available from August 5-7, 8:30 am - 5 p.m.. at county locations. Absentee applications must be submitted by July 31.

SC Daily Gazette
The state Republican Party plans to challenge the state’s open primary elections in federal court, arguing the party should be able to restrict who can select its nominees. "The League of Women Voters doesn't see people voting for another party at levels high enough to move the needle," said Lynn Teague, LWVSC vice president, issues & action. "Instead, closed primaries could deter voters from participating in primaries, worsening already low turnouts. Everyone needs a voice in how they are governed."