Rep. Nancy Mace says she would consider running for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of the Republican Party’s most influential lawmakers.
Graham, 71, died Saturday evening following what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” Emergency dispatch audio from his Washington residence referenced a response for reported cardiac arrest, though his office has not confirmed the cause and requested privacy for his family.
Graham had returned to the capital just one day before his death after visiting Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed American support for Kyiv’s defense against Russian aggression.
Mace’s Potential Campaign
During an appearance on Fox News Live on Sunday, Mace was asked about her interest in the Senate seat. “I’m never going to shut the door,” Mace said. “I love the state of South Carolina. You only live once, and you know, if the people of South Carolina would like me to serve in that capacity, I’ll certainly take a look at it.”
Mace emphasized that her immediate priority was honoring Graham’s legacy. “Right now, I just want to focus on him and his legacy,” she said.
The congresswoman disclosed that she had already spoken with South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster about the succession process and jokingly suggested that McMaster appoint himself as interim senator.
Graham’s Legacy and National Mourning
President Donald Trump led tributes to Graham on Sunday morning, calling him “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and “a true American Patriot.” Trump later ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through the following Saturday in Graham’s honor.
Zelenskyy was among the first world leaders to respond, writing on X that Graham was “a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”
Graham served in the Senate for over two decades after four terms in the House, becoming a leading voice on national security and foreign policy and, more recently, a close Trump ally on Capitol Hill.
What Happens Next
Under South Carolina law, the governor appoints a temporary replacement to serve until a special election is held. The special election is expected to take place alongside the November general election, with the winner serving the remainder of Graham’s term.
The vacancy is expected to produce one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races in the coming months.
This story has been updated. CNN’s digital team contributed to this report.
