Republican Representative Nancy Mace has declared she will not be pursuing the South Carolina Senate seat left vacant by the late Lindsey Graham.
In a video statement, Mace explained, “I’m not running for the U.S. Senate, not because I’m backing down from a fight, but because the one I’m already in matters right now.”
This decision follows her fifth-place finish in the gubernatorial primary earlier this year, amid the evolving race to replace Graham.
According to two sources familiar with her considerations, Mace briefly evaluated the potential for a campaign shortly after news of Graham’s death, but ultimately opted against another statewide race within such a short timeframe.
Her choice ensures that she will be out of elected office when her current term concludes early next year.
In her video message, Mace expressed her ongoing commitment to advocating for change, stating, “the laws meant to protect me and other women failed us, and I won’t stop until that changes.”
She added, “Serving South Carolina has been the honor of my life, and I will continue to voice our values everywhere I can; I’m even going to shit post from time to time, because someone has to call out the dumbasses.”
Meanwhile, Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, who was appointed to complete his term, announced her candidacy for a full term. She has already received President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Republican Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman have also declared their candidacies.
With the filing period for the special primary election starting Tuesday and closing a week later, the election is scheduled for August 11. If no candidate secures 50 percent, a runoff between the top two contenders will occur on August 25.
The winner of the special GOP primary is expected to be the strong favorite in the November election for a full term.
