Rep. Nancy Mace has signaled interest in succeeding the late Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat, according to a person familiar with her thinking.
Graham, 71, died Saturday night after a brief and sudden illness, his office said. The death triggered an immediate scramble for one of the state’s most influential political positions.
Mace’s office did not confirm her plans. A source told The Hill’s Emily Brooks that when asked about replacing Graham, a person close to the congresswoman responded “YOLO”, slang for “you only live once,” and noted recent polling. Mace has not made a formal announcement.
Graham’s Death Opens Senate Seat
Graham, a Republican who served in the Senate since 2003, died hours after returning from a trip to Ukraine. President Donald Trump described him as family and said he had spoken with the senator earlier that evening. Tributes came from both parties, highlighting Graham’s work on national security and foreign policy.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint an interim replacement. State law sets a tight schedule for the special election to fill the seat through the remainder of the term.
The filing period runs from July 21 to July 28. A special primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with a runoff, if needed, on Aug. 25. The winner will appear on the November ballot.
Also Read: Why Lindsey Graham’s Trip to Ukraine Is Linked to His Sudden Death
Graham had been running for re-election in November. His death shifts the contest into a faster track while preserving the regular election timeline for the full term.
Mace Positions Herself
Mace, who represents South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, posted identical statements on her personal and official accounts after Graham’s death.
She called him “a giant” in South Carolina politics and noted their policy disagreements while praising his commitment to the state.
Conservative commentator Chad Caton, based in South Carolina, said McMaster would likely consult Trump on the appointment. Caton named Mace as one name under discussion.
Other Republicans, including Rep. Joe Wilson, have also been mentioned in early conversations about an interim role.
Mace ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in 2014, finishing behind Graham in the Republican primary. She has built a profile in Congress as a vocal conservative with occasional breaks from party leadership. Her district covers coastal areas, including Charleston.
Also Read: Hunter Biden Mourns Lindsey Graham, Revives Senator’s Famous Praise of Joe Biden
Timeline and Appointment Process
McMaster faces pressure to name someone quickly. The interim appointee would serve until the special election results are certified. South Carolina law requires the governor to choose from the same party as the deceased senator.
The short filing window limits the pool of candidates who can organize campaigns in time. State and national Republican figures are expected to weigh in, with Trump’s preference carrying significant weight in the state.
Graham’s seat was considered safe for Republicans. The rapid timeline reduces the chance of a prolonged vacancy but increases the intensity of the contest among potential successors.
Implications for South Carolina Politics
The race will test the state’s Republican establishment and its alignment with Trump. Graham evolved from a critic of Trump to a close ally in recent years. Any appointee or candidate will need to navigate that legacy while appealing to voters in a state that has trended solidly Republican.
Mace’s potential entry adds a high-profile contender with name recognition and fundraising ability. Other Republicans may enter to avoid clearing the field for her. Democrats have not yet mounted a strong challenge in recent cycles for this seat.
Graham’s death removes a longtime voice on defense and foreign aid. His departure comes as Congress debates spending priorities and U.S. involvement abroad.
