The race to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham is already taking shape, and one familiar Republican name could soon enter the spotlight.
Rep. Nancy Mace is reportedly giving serious consideration to a campaign for South Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat after Graham’s unexpected passing, according to multiple reports. If she enters the contest, it could set up one of the most closely watched Republican primaries of the election cycle.
Nancy Mace Weighs a Senate Campaign
Sources say Mace is actively evaluating whether to launch a Senate bid despite her recent defeat in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
Her interest comes after the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, whose office announced he passed away Saturday following what was described as a “brief and sudden illness.” Graham had already secured the Republican nomination for reelection and was widely expected to win another term.
His passing has created a high-profile vacancy that could reshape South Carolina politics for years to come.
Mace Still Has Campaign Resources
Although Mace is expected to leave Congress when her House term expires in January, she still has resources available for another campaign.
Federal Election Commission filings show she has roughly $185,000 remaining in her campaign account, giving her a financial foundation should she officially enter the Senate race.
This would not be Mace’s first attempt to challenge Graham. She previously ran against him in the 2014 Republican primary but finished well behind the longtime senator.
Social Media Post Sparks Speculation
Interest in a possible campaign grew after Mace posted a cryptic message on social media.
“Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in…”
The post quickly fueled speculation among political observers that she may be preparing another statewide campaign after previously suggesting she planned to return to the private sector following her gubernatorial defeat.
Over the past several years, Mace has also drawn criticism from many conservative voters after taking positions that put her at odds with President Donald Trump on several high-profile issues.
President Trump Signals He Has a Favorite
President Trump has already suggested he has someone in mind to succeed Graham, although he declined to reveal the person’s identity.
“I have somebody that I think would be great,” Trump said during an appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press.
Because of Trump’s strong influence among South Carolina Republicans, his eventual endorsement could play a major role in determining who becomes the party’s nominee.
Other Republicans Are Also Considering the Race
Mace is not the only Republican whose name has surfaced.
Rep. Joe Wilson was initially mentioned as a possible candidate. However, removing another Republican from the House could complicate GOP leadership’s efforts to maintain its already narrow majority in Congress. Wilson has also indicated he is not pursuing the appointment.
Rep. Ralph Norman has publicly expressed interest as well.
Following a conversation with President Trump, Norman wrote on X that his immediate priority remains helping preserve the Republican majority in the House.
“I assured him my goal is to remain in the House to keep his two-vote majority for the American people,” Norman said.
What Happens Next?
South Carolina law gives Gov. Henry McMaster the authority to appoint an interim senator who will serve until voters elect a permanent replacement.
Because Graham had already won the Republican nomination, state election officials are expected to schedule a special Republican primary, with reports indicating it could take place as early as Aug. 11.
That means potential candidates have only a short window to decide whether to enter the race.
A Closely Watched Republican Contest
With Lindsey Graham’s longtime Senate seat now open, Republicans face one of the party’s most important political contests of the year.
Whether Nancy Mace officially enters the race remains to be seen, but President Trump’s endorsement, the crowded Republican field, and the national attention surrounding the vacancy are expected to make South Carolina one of the biggest political battlegrounds to watch in the weeks ahead.
As more candidates announce their intentions, the fight to replace Graham is likely to draw significant national interest and could become one of the defining Republican primaries of the election season.