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Lindsey Graham's Passing Sets Off Scramble For His South Carolina Senate Seat

Mace left open the possibility of running for Graham’s seat and supported Trump’s recommendation for an interim successor.

Lindsey Graham's Passing Sets Off Scramble For His South Carolina Senate Seat
Image · The Daily Caller

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This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026
tl;dr

Lindsey Graham’s death has opened a South Carolina Senate vacancy and sparked a contest over an interim appointment and the Republican nomination. Joe Wilson said he intends to remain in the House, while Nancy Mace signaled interest in a Senate bid and backed appointing Graham’s sister.

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Nancy Mace R · SC-1
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Nancy Mace
R · SC-1

South Carolina representative who signaled interest in a Senate bid and endorsed appointing Graham’s sister

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

South Carolina senator whose death created the vacancy at the center of the succession story

Graham's version of this story ↗
Joe Wilson
R · SC-2

South Carolina representative who said he intends to remain in the House rather than seek the Senate appointment

Wilson's version of this story ↗
Mark Lynch
R · SC

Republican candidate who said he would run in the upcoming Senate primary

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who recommended Darline Graham Nordone for the interim Senate seat

Tim Scott
R · SC · SEN

South Carolina senator who supported Gowdy and praised Nordone as a possible interim appointee

Trey Gowdy
Former U.S. Representative (R-SC)

Former South Carolina representative mentioned as a possible successor and backed by Tim Scott

ALSO MENTIONED  Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general who defeated Evette in the Republican gubernatorial primary; Darline Graham Nordone, Graham’s sister, whom Trump recommended for the interim Senate appointment; Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor expected to appoint an interim senator; Nikki Haley, Former South Carolina governor mentioned as a possible successor; Pamela Evette, South Carolina lieutenant governor floated as a possible successor

Part of a bigger story

15 OUTLETS
Nancy Mace Considers Run for Lindsey Graham’s Senate Seat

Reports say Nancy Mace is considering or open to a run for the South Carolina Senate seat left vacant by Lindsey Graham’s death. Left-leaning outlets emphasize Mace’s prospects and political pushback, including criticism and reported opposition from Trump allies. Center outlets mostly track her stated interest, potential contenders and the vacancy, with one report citing low odds. Right-leaning outlets split between criticizing her interest as improper and arguing she should be considered, while also covering the succession contest.

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