Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is considering a run for the Senate seat previously held by Lindsey Graham, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 71. Mace expressed her willingness to serve if the people of South Carolina desire her candidacy, while also emphasizing her focus on honoring Graham's legacy.
Mace recently lost her gubernatorial bid and will vacate her House seat in January. Sources indicated that she plans to start exploring her options for the Senate seat this week. Mace is expected to conduct polling regarding a potential campaign and has remaining funds in her federal campaign account from previous elections. Under South Carolina law, a special election must be held by August 11 to select Graham's replacement for the 2026 race. Graham had won his primary election with nearly 57% of the vote last month.
Despite her name recognition, Mace's prospects for success may be uncertain, as she finished fifth in the gubernatorial primary and previously lost to Graham in a Senate primary challenge in 2014. While she has not publicly commented on her potential candidacy, she paid tribute to Graham on social media, stating, "South Carolina lost a giant last night... Please join me in praying for his family and for all who called him a friend." Governor Henry McMaster (R-SC) will appoint an interim replacement for Graham until January 3.