What happens if an elected US Senate candidate dies before being sworn in?

I believe the governor of the state appoints a new senator of the same party as the dead one.

It can be different in the states. Possibilities include special election or governor appointment.

In California, the Governor appoints a temporary successor, and a special election is held.

In many cases, the Governor of the state appoints a replacement which is often their spouse who fills in until the next election. Mary Bono filled in for her husband Sonny & then she won the next 7 terms on her own merit before finally losing.

@LadyMarissa that was for the House of Representatives, not the Senate.