William Timmons Declines Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat Race, Citing 2027 House Vacancy Risk
Updated
Updated · WYFF4 Greenville · Jul 15
William Timmons Declines Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat Race, Citing 2027 House Vacancy Risk
3 articles · Updated · WYFF4 Greenville · Jul 15
Summary
William Timmons said he will not seek Lindsey Graham’s vacant Senate seat, ending speculation that the South Carolina congressman could enter the November special election.
Timmons said a House member already on the ballot who won the seat would trigger a House vacancy on Jan. 3, 2027, and he would not risk weakening Republicans as Speaker Mike Johnson seeks votes.
He also said he cannot support fellow Republicans Ralph Norman or Nancy Mace as Graham’s successor, while Mark Lynch remains the only candidate to publicly declare a run so far.
Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister, was sworn in Tuesday as temporary replacement after Graham died Saturday; the special primary must be held by Aug. 11, with candidate filing set for July 21-28.