A Kentucky law passed by Republicans in 2024 is set to be tested for the first time, creating a critical deadline for Governor Andy Beshear to call a special election to fill Mitch McConnell's vacant U.S. Senate seat ahead of the November midterms. The law mandates that if a vacancy occurs at least three months before an election, a special election must be held; otherwise, the seat remains vacant until the scheduled vote. McConnell, who has been absent from Congress since June 2026 after hospitalization, has not returned to his duties, prompting Beshear to demand proof the seat is not empty. If no election is called by Monday, the vacancy will persist until November, where Democrat Charles Booker would face Republican Andy Barr. The law contradicts the 17th Amendment, which allows governors to appoint temporary replacements, and its implementation could spark legal challenges. Advocacy groups criticize the lack of transparency and accountability in McConnell's situation, highlighting broader concerns about political impunity.

A 2024 change to state law requires a special election to fill a vacant Senate seat.

via PBS News Hour - The Latest — Sen. Lindsey Graham died over the weekend at age 71, and Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to announce his pick later Monday.

via BorderReport — South Carolina law calls for a temporary appointment to fill the current Senate vacancy and a special Republican primary to select a replacement nominee for the November election. Voters would then choose who serves the next Senate term through the election process established under state law.

via Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera — The US president suggests he is considering a potential candidate to fill the late senator's seat in South Carolina.

Lindsey Graham died at 71 after a brief illness, opening questions over his Senate seat, ballot place and committee role.