South Carolina Senator Tim Scott is widely seen as a potential running mate for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. If Scott were to leave the Senate to become vice president, it would trigger a complex process to fill his seat.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott is a rising star in the Republican Party and a potential running mate for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. If Scott were to leave the Senate to become vice president, it would trigger a complex process to fill his seat.
Under South Carolina law, the governor would appoint a replacement to serve until the next general election, which would be held in November 2022. The appointee would have to be a member of the same political party as Scott, which is the Republican Party.
The South Carolina Senate Race: What Happens if Tim Scott Becomes Trump's VP?
There are several potential candidates who could be appointed to Scott's seat. One possibility is former Governor Nikki Haley, who is a close ally of Trump and a potential vice presidential candidate herself. Another possibility is Lieutenant Governor Kevin Bryant, who is also a Republican.
However, the appointment process is not without controversy. In 2002, then-Governor Jim Hodges appointed a Democrat to fill a vacant Senate seat, even though Republicans held a majority in the state legislature. The move sparked a political firestorm and led to a change in the state law.
The new law requires the governor to appoint someone from the same political party as the outgoing senator. However, it does not specify how the governor should choose the appointee. This could lead to a legal challenge if the governor appoints someone who is not seen as being qualified for the position.
Once the governor appoints a replacement, the appointee would serve until the next general election. At that point, a special election would be held to fill the seat for the remaining two years of Scott's term.
The special election would be open to all candidates, regardless of party affiliation. The winner of the special election would serve the remainder of Scott's term, which ends in January 2023.
The process of filling a Senate vacancy is complex and can be politically contentious. However, the law is clear that the governor has the authority to appoint a replacement who will serve until the next general election.
