After longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden and tragic passing, it was reported that Rep. Nancy Mace was considering running to replace his seat in the Senate.
However, on Monday, Rep. Mace formally announced that she has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate.
In a video announcement on social media, Rep. Mace said that she instead wants to focus on getting “justice” for women before her term in the House of Representatives ends.
Watch her video message here:
I’m not running for the Senate – because I have some unfinished business. Since I stood on that House floor, I’ve been fighting for every woman and girl who was told to stay silent. I want justice – and that day is coming.
Thank you for all your support, all the calls and texts. You are the BEST. Serving South Carolina is the honor of my LIFE, and I will NEVER forget it.
If Rep. Mace would have run for the Senate, she likely would have been a long-shot candidate.
She didn’t do very well in her state’s governor primary last month.
Politico noted:
Her decision comes after a fifth-place primary finish in her run for governor earlier this year and as the race to succeed Graham is already taking shape.
Mace began exploring the viability of a potential bid just hours after Graham’s death became public, two people familiar with her thinking told POLITICO at the time, but decided against a second statewide bid in as many months.
Her move effectively guarantees she will not be serving in elected office once her term ends early next year.
In the video, Mace said “the laws meant to protect me and other women failed us, and I won’t stop until that changes.”
ADVERTISEMENT“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,” she said.
Rep. Mace’s announcement comes on the heels of news from Lindsey Graham’s sister Darline, who has decided to run to replace her brother’s Senate seat permanently.
Watch the moment she announced her campaign while speaking to Sean Hannity on Fox News:
It’s official. I'm running to represent South Carolina in the United States Senate. 🇺🇸
Today, I’m stepping forward to carry my brother Lindsey’s legacy on behalf of the people of South Carolina.
President Trump told me, "Run, Darline, Run." With his support, I'm running all the… pic.twitter.com/2k9CVOJJuc
— Darline Graham (@DarlineGrahamSC) July 20, 2026
It’s official. I’m running to represent South Carolina in the United States Senate. 🇺🇸
Today, I’m stepping forward to carry my brother Lindsey’s legacy on behalf of the people of South Carolina.
President Trump told me, “Run, Darline, Run.” With his support, I’m running all the way through the finish line in November.
I hope you’ll join me: http://DarlineGrahamSC.com
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It’s going to be a competitive competition.
Along with Darline Graham, Republican Reps. Russel Fry and Ralph Norman have announced bids for the South Carolina Senate seat.
Businessman Mark Lynch has also joined the race.
A special GOP primary to decide on a candidate will be held in just a few weeks — on August 11th.
But, President Trump has already made his choice clear…
Even before she announced her decision to run for a full-term, President Trump gave Darline Graham his complete endorsement.
Read it here:
It was my Honor to welcome now Senator Darline Graham Nordone (The sister of the Late, Great Lindsey Graham!), from the Wonderful State of South Carolina, into the Oval Office. We have known each other for a long time — She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot. Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina. During her visit, I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey. Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN! President DONALD J. TRUMP
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