Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will not run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Lindsey Grahamâs death, her spokesperson told Bloomberg.
Graham, a Senate fixture since 2003, died Saturday at age 71 following what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. Emergency dispatch audio referenced a response to his Washington residence for reported cardiac arrest, though no official cause has been released.
Haleyâs Decision
Haley, who served as South Carolinaâs governor and Trumpâs U.N. ambassador, is not interested in running in the special election, according to her spokesperson. She posted a tribute to Graham on Instagram Sunday, writing, âLindsey loved South Carolina deeply. There was never a day he stopped fighting for the people of our state.â
Some commenters on the post urged Haley to reconsider and run for the seat herself, calling her âthe most qualified personâ for the role. Her decision to decline comes as multiple prominent Republicans explore candidacies for the vacancy.
Other Potential Candidates Emerge
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said Sunday she is open to running for Grahamâs seat while emphasizing her immediate focus remains honoring her colleague. âIâm never going to shut the door,â Mace said on Fox News Live. âI love the state of South Carolina. You only live once, and if the people of South Carolina would like me to serve in that capacity, Iâll certainly take a look at it.â
Mace acknowledged the possibility had crossed her mind but said she was still processing Grahamâs death. She stressed that her priority at the moment is reflecting on his legacy and contributions to the state.
What Comes Next
South Carolinaâs governor will appoint a temporary replacement to serve until a special election is held. The special election is expected to coincide with the November general election, with the winner serving the remainder of Grahamâs term.
Graham spent more than two decades in the Senate after four terms in the U.S. House, becoming one of Congressâ leading voices on national security and foreign policy. His death is expected to trigger one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.
