Representative Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Mike Seeger | Reuters
Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R.S.C.) is the first of a growing number of candidates to express interest in the Senate seat currently vacant following the sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.S.C.) over the weekend.
At the time of his death, Graham was seeking re-election and was scheduled to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election this November. The campaign was dubbed “Solid R” by Cook Political Report, along with Amy Walter.
A person familiar with Mace’s thinking, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mace is “strongly considering” running and plans to vote on Monday.
Mace, who has been representing South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District since 2021, ran for governor but lost in the Republican primary in June.
“South Carolina lost a giant last night. Lindsey Graham gave everything he had to this state and this country for more than 30 years, from the Air Force to the U.S. Senate,” Mace wrote in Sunday’s X. “We didn’t always agree, but no one ever questioned his love for South Carolina or the fight he brought into every room he entered.”
Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster must hold a special primary election on Aug. 11 to replace Graham on the November ballot. The filing period for that primary begins July 21st.
Meanwhile, Mr. McMaster has the power to appoint a candidate to fill Mr. Graham’s current role. Punchbowl News reported that Rep. Joe Wilson (R.S.C.) is interested in an interim appointment and intends to run for a full term.
