South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace is reportedly positioning herself for a potential bid for the United States Senate in the wake of Senator Lindsey Grahams sudden death.
According to The Post Millennial, Politico reported that, citing two individuals familiar with her deliberations, Mace is preparing to commission polling as she weighs a campaign for the vacant seat. She is said to retain funds in her federal campaign account from prior congressional contests, giving her an immediate financial advantage should she enter the race.
Mace had already been widely expected to depart the House after her failed attempt to secure the Republican nomination for South Carolina governor earlier this year. She finished a distant fifth in that primary, capturing roughly 12 percent of the vote in a field dominated by more established statewide figures.
The congresswoman is no stranger to Senate ambitions, having previously mounted an unsuccessful challenge against Graham in the 2014 Republican primary. She again placed fifth in that race, underscoring the difficulty of unseating an entrenched incumbent even in a conservative stronghold.
On Sunday morning, as news of Grahams sudden and unexpected passing spread, Mace appeared to hint at a renewed political comeback in a post on X. Sharing a clip from The Godfather Part III, she wrote, Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in
If she runs, Mace is likely to encounter resistance from President Donald Trump, who has already opposed her in the past by endorsing one of her rivals in the gubernatorial primary. Trump has also indicated he has a preferred successor in mind for Grahams seat, though he has chosen not to reveal that name publicly.
I have somebody that I think would be great, but I dont want to say it now because its just too soon with Lindsey, Trump told NBC News Meet the Press on Sunday. I dont even want to talk about anybody, but I do have somebody who I think is really good.
Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster must appoint a temporary replacement to serve in the Senate until voters decide the seat in a special election scheduled for August. As speculation mounts over potential contenders, Trump added, Theyll have some people joining. Some are good, some are bad. But I have somebody that I like, but Im not going to tell you who now because its too soon.
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