Medical examiner details heart trouble in Sen. Graham’s death

A Washington official released more information about the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., over the weekend. The 71-year-old statesman experienced a fatal artery tear due to coronary disease, according to the District of Columbia’s chief medical examiner. Plaque buildup narrowed the pathway of the body's largest artery, the aorta, causing the artery’s inner layers to tear.

The tear, known as aortic dissection, most often occurs in elderly men and in many cases becomes deadly if the blood spills outside the artery, according to Mayo Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic characterized the condition as rare, causing only 30 deaths per one million people each year.

Graham’s death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death once all testing is finalized, according to the medical office.

What is next for the Senate? Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday afternoon appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve as Graham's temporary replacement. She is expected to serve until residents elect a new senator in the upcoming November elections. The announcement came after President Donald Trump recommended Nordone for the temporary role earlier in the day. 

State officials will also need to tap a new candidate as GOP nominee in the upcoming election—Graham was running for reelection. State law called for a special primary election on Aug. 11 to choose a new Republican to face the Democratic nominee, pediatrician Annie Andrews. However, this schedule could conflict with the absentee voting requirements in federal law, and it was unclear on Monday morning when the special primary would be scheduled.

Analysts expect the South Carolina race to draw national attention because the GOP incumbent senator is no longer on the ticket. Republicans hold a narrow 53-47 majority in the upper chamber of Congress.