Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 12
Nancy Mace Teases Senate Run for Graham Seat After 71-Year-Old Senator's Death
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 12

Nancy Mace Teases Senate Run for Graham Seat After 71-Year-Old Senator's Death

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 12

Summary

  • Nancy Mace signaled interest in South Carolina’s open Senate seat on July 12, posting a “Godfather Part III” clip on X hours after Lindsey Graham’s death was announced.
  • Graham, 71, died July 11 after what his office called a brief and sudden illness, creating a vacancy that Gov. Henry McMaster will fill temporarily before a special election.
  • Mace had just finished last in South Carolina’s June gubernatorial primary and had previously challenged Graham in 2014, making her possible bid a rapid political return.
  • South Carolina Republicans are already weighing other potential successors, with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and former Gov. Nikki Haley among the names circulating.

Insights

After a recent primary loss, can Nancy Mace stage a comeback for the vacant Senate seat?
How will the sudden race for a Senate seat reshape South Carolina's political landscape?