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
Representative Nancy Mace (RS.C.) and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster are the first names being mentioned in a potentially crowded field to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.S.C.), who died suddenly last 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 fact that he put up a fight no matter what room he entered.”
In a subsequent post about X on Sunday, Mace referenced “The Godfather Part III.”
“‘Just when I thought I was out…they pulled me back in…'” she posted.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, the preeminent kingmaker in Republican politics, said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday morning that he “has someone I like” to replace Mr. Graham, but he did not say who.
“I won’t say who right now because it’s too early,” the president said.
But during the interview, President Trump praised South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a close ally.
“Henry was a great governor. He’s been removed from office, but he’s going to do the right thing,” Trump said. “I think Henry will be a great player.”
Under South Carolina law, Mr. McMaster must hold a special primary election on Aug. 11 to replace Mr. Graham on the November ballot. The filing period for that primary begins July 21st.
Mr. McMaster has the authority to appoint a candidate to fill Mr. Graham’s current role. Michelle LeClair, a spokeswoman for Mr McMaster, told MS Now: “At this time, our focus is on honoring the life and legacy of Senator Graham. Any questions regarding the process for filling the vacancy will be answered by the Governor’s Office as they become available.”
Punchbowl News previously reported that Rep. Joe Wilson (R.S.C.) is interested in an interim appointment and intends to run for a full term.
But Wilson, who is running for re-election in South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District, appeared to throw cold water on that claim in a post on X on Sunday.
“I was grateful to speak with President Trump today as I remembered our mutual friend, Sen. Lindsey Graham. I assured him that my goal is to remain in the House and maintain a two-vote majority of the American people!!!” Wilson posted.
