Former Rep. Mark Sanford announces he is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina. Sanford, a former governor and congressman, makes his announcement publicly Thursday, saying he will seek office in the wake of Graham’s death. In his statement, Sanford argues the country is facing a fiscal situation he describes as a “financial tipping point,” and criticizes federal spending and borrowing, including adding large amounts to the national debt on a frequent schedule.
CBS News reports Sanford is joining the field of Republican contenders who are considering the seat Graham vacated. According to CBS, the race is drawing multiple potential candidates, and Sanford’s decision adds another name to the list of Republicans seeking to succeed Graham. The reports align on Sanford’s candidacy and the fact that it is aimed at replacing Graham’s Senate term, as state and federal political processes move forward after the senator’s death.
