Nancy Mace, Henry McMaster floated as possible candidates after Sen. Lindsey Graham dies

According to CNBC, Rep. Nancy Mace and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster are among the first names being discussed as potential candidates to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly over the weekend while seeking reelection. A person familiar with Mace’s thinking said she is strongly considering a run and would release polling on Monday.

South Carolina law requires McMaster to hold a special primary election on Aug. 11 to replace Graham on the November ballot, with the filing period opening July 21; the governor also has authority to appoint someone to fill the current vacancy. President Donald Trump said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he has someone he likes to replace Graham but declined to name the person, while praising McMaster.

Punchbowl News reported Rep. Joe Wilson is interested in an interim appointment and would run for a full term, though Wilson posted that his goal is to remain in the House. Rep. William Timmons said he had not ruled out running, and multiple outlets reported Rep. Ralph Norman is expected to explore a bid. Politico reported Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was fielding calls encouraging him to run, and there has also been speculation that Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette could enter the race.