Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) speaks on Day 3 of the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, July 17, 2024.
Mike Segar | Reuters
Rep. Nancy Mace, RS.C., and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster are among the first two names floated in what could be a crowded field to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Lindsey Graham, RS.C., who died suddenly over the weekend.
Graham was seeking re-election at the time of his death and was slated to run against Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election, in a race that the Cook Political Report and Amy Walter labeled a “Solid R.”
A person familiar with Mace’s thinking, who did not want to be named, said he is “considering a lot” of running for office and will vote on Monday.
Mace, who has represented South Carolina’s first congressional district since 2021, launched a campaign for governor but lost in the Republican primary in June.
“South Carolina lost a giant last night. For more than thirty years, Lindsey Graham gave everything he had to this state and to this country, from the Air Force to the United States Senate,” wrote Mace in X on Sunday. “We didn’t always agree, but no one ever doubted his love for South Carolina or the fight he brought to every room he entered.”
In a subsequent post on X Sunday, Mace referred to “The Godfather Part III.”
“‘Just when I thought I was out… they brought me back in…'” he wrote.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, the dominant figure in Republican politics, said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday morning that he has “a favorite” to replace Graham, but declined to say who he is.
“I won’t tell you who now because it’s still a long way off,” said the president.
Trump, however, praised South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, his closest ally, during the interview.
“Henry has been a great governor, you know now he’s out, but he’s going to do the right thing,” Trump said. “I think Henry will be good.”
According to South Carolina state law, McMaster will need to hold a special election on Aug.11 to replace Graham on the November ballot. The application period for the main will open on July 21.
McMaster has the authority to appoint someone to fill Graham’s current role. Michelle LeClair, McMaster’s press secretary, told CNBC: “At this time, we are focused on honoring the life and service of Senator Graham. Questions regarding the process to fill the vacancy will be addressed by the Governor’s Office if there are any updates to share.”
Punchbowl News reported that Rep. Joe Wilson, RS.C., is interested in the interim appointment and will serve full-time.
But Wilson, who is seeking re-election in South Carolina’s 2nd District, on Sunday appeared to throw cold water on the claim written on X.
“I am excited to speak with President Trump today and remember our mutual friend, Senator Lindsey Graham. I assured him that my goal is to stay in the House so he can keep his two-vote majority for the American people!!!” Wilson posted.
Others can enter the race.
Representative William Timmons, who is seeking another term representing South Carolina’s 4th congressional district, said in a statement to CNBC that he was “deeply saddened” by Graham’s passing but did not rule out a run.
“When it comes time to talk about the future, I’ve always been willing to serve South Carolina wherever I can make a big difference,” Timmons said.
Rep. Ralph Norman, another member of South Carolina’s House team who failed in his campaign for governor earlier this year, is also expected to test the waters, multiple outlets reported.
Graham’s replacement is likely to come from outside the halls of Congress. There is speculation that Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who received Trump’s endorsement in his gubernatorial campaign, could enter the race.
And Politico reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Besent, a South Carolina native who maintains a home in the state, has been fielding calls from people urging him to participate. Bessent’s spokespeople did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
