Republican Rep. Nancy Mace says she will not run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, according to multiple outlets. Politico reports that her decision follows an unsuccessful bid for governor earlier this year. Fox News adds that Mace’s announcement comes as political attention shifts to Sen. Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, who is considering or pursuing the Republican nomination for the seat. Fox News reports that Darline Graham tells Sean Hannity she is “in” after former President Donald Trump urged her to seek the nomination in the crowded Republican field for the Senate special election. Politico also states that Trump has backed Sen. Darline Graham for a full term, which is part of the evolving picture around who may enter the race and how potential candidates position themselves.
Taken together, the reporting indicates Mace is stepping aside from the Senate contest, while Darline Graham moves forward as a potential major contender in the Republican process for the seat. The sources describe the developments as linked to Trump’s endorsements and Darline Graham’s entry after Mace’s earlier political activity this year.
