Lindsey Grahams sudden death could hamstring Trumps Senate agenda after rogues and Mitch McConnell cut margin

WASHINGTON — The tragic, sudden death of Sen.Lindsey Graham has left a void in the Senate and shrunk the GOP’s majority in the upper chamber, while sparking a mad dash to fill his shoes.

Graham, 71, died from a “brief and sudden illness” Saturday evening, his office revealed.His tragic passing means Republicans’ edge in the Senate will slip down to 52-47 seats — but that’s only on paper.

There are ongoing concerns about the health of Sen.Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who is currently hospitalized.There are also several Republican lawmakers, including Sen.

Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and lame duck Sens Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who haven’t been shy about splitting from the party recently — especially on the Iran war and other foreign policy issues.Meanwhile, South Carolina Gov.Henry McMaster (R) will have to tap a temporary replacement to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, and Republicans will have to name a successor to him on the powerful Senate Budget Committee.

Because Graham was up for reelection and had just won his primary last month, a special GOP primary to replace him as the party’s nominee in the Senate race is likely to occur by Aug.11.Already, firebrand Rep.

Nancy Mace (R-SC) is “strong” considering tossing her hat in the ring to replace him.One name that was floated around was Rep.

Joe Wilson (R-SC), who appeared to bat down rumors he might pursue it.“[M]y goal is to remain in the House to keep his two-vote majority for the American people!!!” he posted on X Sunday.Another possible contender is Lt.Gov. Pamela Evette (R).

Trump initially backed her in the gubernatorial primary, before also endorsing Attorney General Alan Wilson (R), who went on to win the runoff.She had also been backed by McMaster in the primary.“I have somebody that I think would be great.But I don’t want to say it now because, you know, it’s too soon with Lindsey,” Trump told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” Sunday about...