Kathmandu— Republicans in South Carolina are heading to the polls on Tuesday to select a candidate for the United States Senate seat left vacant by the death of longtime incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham. Graham, who died July 11 from cardiovascular disease after serving 23 years in the Senate, was known as a hawkish voice advocating military intervention and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. The unexpected vacancy has reshaped the midterm election landscape, with ten candidates vying for the Republican nomination before facing Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November.

A Crowded Primary Field

Ten Republicans are competing to succeed Graham, including his sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to fill the seat until January. Businessman Mark Lynch, who finished second to Graham in the June primary, is also seeking the nomination. Two current members of Congress – Russell Fry and Ralph Norman – are running alongside former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford. The remaining candidates include lawyer Duke Buckner, biomedical engineer Samuel Shepherd, former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride, retired Air Force officer Glenda Gail Parker, and farmer Danny Lee Ford II.

Darline Graham Leads in Polling

While initially viewed as a temporary placeholder for her brother, Darline Graham has emerged as the frontrunner in recent polling. A Quantus Insights poll showed her with 30.4 percent of the vote, significantly ahead of Ralph Norman (17.5 percent) and Russell Fry (16.6 percent). Mark Sanford trailed in fourth place at 15.4 percent. Her appointment made her the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate, and she is expected to continue her brother’s political legacy.

Impact on the Midterm Election

Although a Republican is still favored to win the traditionally red-leaning state, Graham's death has been seen as potentially improving Democrats’ chances. President Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham could significantly influence the outcome among Republican voters. However, her lack of prior legislative experience may make her more vulnerable in the general election against Annie Andrews, a paediatrician who has focused on issues like a recent measles outbreak and criticized Republican leadership.

Andrews Campaigns for Change

Democratic nominee Annie Andrews is positioning herself as a candidate for change. She has used the state’s recent measles outbreak to highlight perceived failures of Republican leadership and has also criticised Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s stance on vaccines. “They’re looking for something different, and as a doctor and a mom and someone who represents a generational shift in leadership, that’s exactly what I’m offering,” Andrews told the Charleston City Paper.

Polls will be open from 7am to 7pm Eastern US time on Tuesday, with the winner of the Republican primary set to face Annie Andrews in the November midterm elections.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.