South Carolina Senate Race Shifts as Nancy Mace Withdraws and Darline Graham Enters
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Rep. Nancy Mace announced she will not run for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Lindsey Graham, while Sen. Darline Graham entered the special election following encouragement from President Trump.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said on Monday that she will not seek the U.S. Senate seat opened by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, citing her current responsibilities in the House. Mace, who finished fifth in the recent Republican primary for governor, explained that she is focusing on "justice for me, justice for other women and justice for every little girl who was told to stay silent."
Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC), the late senator’s sister, announced her candidacy for the same seat during an interview on Fox News. She said she feels "inner peace" about running despite acknowledging the pressure of the role. President Donald Trump has publicly supported her bid.
The filing deadline for the special election is approaching, and other Republicans have already declared their intentions, including Reps. Ralph Norman and Russell Fry, as well as businessman Mark Lynch. Fry, who was unopposed in his congressional primary, may appear on the ballot for both his House seat and the Senate race, a scenario permitted under state law.
South Carolina Senate President Thomas Alexander and House Speaker Murrell Smith issued a statement noting that the upcoming election highlights issues in state election law and that they plan to address those concerns in the coming weeks.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune commented that Sen. Darline Graham "carries on Lindsey's legacy" and described her as "a very accomplished person in her own right," while declining to endorse any candidate at this time.