Rep. Nancy Mace is “strongly” considering a bid to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham in the U.S. Senate, according to two sources who spoke to The New York Post.
The congresswoman, who finished fifth in last month’s South Carolina GOP gubernatorial primary and is set to leave the House next January, is apparently telling people she is exploring a last-minute Senate campaign to fill the vacancy created by Graham’s sudden death, according to the report.
On Sunday, Mace posted a gif on X that read, “Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in.”
“Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in…” pic.twitter.com/1AzRMPAEuc
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) July 12, 2026
President Donald Trump did not endorse Mace’s gubernatorial campaign; instead, he endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
Mace challenged Graham in his GOP primary for reelection in 2014, but she also finished in fifth place in that race. She later served in the state House before winning election to Congress in 2020, representing South Carolina’s 1st District.
Graham died Saturday evening after what his office described as “a brief and sudden illness.”
The senator was 71 and had been favored to win reelection this November after securing the GOP primary nomination.
His unexpected passing has created a scramble among potential Republican successors.
Under state law, Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to appoint a temporary replacement, while a special election will be held to complete the remainder of Graham’s term.
Reports indicate the special election process includes an August 11 primary.
Mace’s potential entry into the race adds a prominent name to what will likely become a competitive field.
Other figures, including Rep. Joe Wilson, have also been mentioned as possible contenders.
