Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
July 14 , 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday appointed Elizabeth Colbert Busch to temporarily fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant after the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, placing a longtime figure in the state’s business and political circles at the center of an expedited succession process. President Donald Trump praised the decision, calling the pick a strong choice for the state as South Carolina prepares for a special election later this year.
Colbert Busch, the sister of late-night television host Stephen Colbert, is known in South Carolina for her work in business development and civic organizations, including roles tied to trade, maritime affairs and Clemson University’s Restoration Institute. She previously gained statewide attention during her 2013 congressional campaign, when she became the Democratic nominee in a closely watched race in the Charleston-area district.
The appointment follows Graham’s death and the legal process that requires the governor to name a temporary replacement before setting a special election timeline. Under state law, the appointee serves until the term ends in January, while voters later choose a permanent successor in a special election.
State officials said the coming weeks will bring a rapid filing period and primary calendar as candidates move to compete for the seat. For now, McMaster’s choice gives South Carolina a caretaker senator with deep local ties and a familiar name in the state’s public life.
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