Who will replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate?

Rep. Nancy Mace, R.S.C. and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster are among the first two names swimming in what could be a crowded field to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who died suddenly over the weekend.

At the time of his death, Graham was seeking re-election and would face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election this November. Report Politically with Amy Walter It was labeled “Strict R.”

A person familiar with Mace’s thinking, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was “strongly considering” running for the seat and would go to the polls on Monday.

Mace, who has represented South Carolina’s 1st congressional district since 2021, launched a campaign for governor but lost the Republican primary in June.

“South Carolina lost a giant last night. For over three decades, Lindsey Graham gave this state and this country everything he had, from the Air Force to the United States Senate,” Mace said. wrote to x Sunday. “We didn’t always agree, but no one questioned his love for South Carolina or the fight he brought to every room he walked into.”

One Next post on X On Sunday, Mace talked about “The Godfather Part III.”

“‘Just when I thought I was getting out…they pulled me back…'” he shared.

Meanwhile, Republican political kingpin President Donald Trump said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday morning that “there’s someone I like” to replace Graham, but he declined to identify who.

“I’m not going to tell you who is who now because it’s too early,” the president said.

But Trump heaped praise on his close ally, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, during the interview.

“Henry was a great governor, you know he got impeached but he’s going to do the right thing,” Trump said. “I think Henry will be amazing.”

Under South Carolina state law, McMaster will have to hold a special primary on Aug. 11 to replace Graham on the November ballot. The application period for this primary will begin on July 21.

McMaster has the authority to appoint a candidate to fill Graham’s current role. McMaster’s press secretary, Michelle LeClair, told CNBC: “Our focus at this time is to honor the life and service of Senator Graham. Questions regarding the process for filling the vacancy will be addressed by the Governor’s Office when there are updates to share.”

Punchbowl News had reported that Rep. Joe Wilson (R.S.C.) was interested in the interim appointment and would run for the full term.

But Wilson, who is running for reelection in South Carolina’s 2nd congressional district, appeared to throw cold water on the claim Sunday. Publish on X.

“I am grateful to speak with President Trump today, honoring our mutual friend Senator Lindsey Graham. I assured him that my goal is to remain in the House to preserve the two-vote majority of the American people!!!” Wilson sent it.

Others can also join the race.

Rep. William Timmons, who is seeking a new term to represent South Carolina’s 4th congressional district, told CNBC that he was “deeply saddened” by Graham’s death but did not rule out running for office.

“When it came time to discuss the future, I was always ready to serve South Carolina wherever I could make the biggest difference,” Timmons said.

Rep. Ralph Norman, another member of South Carolina’s House delegation who ran unsuccessfully for governor earlier this year, is also expected to test the waters, multiple sources reported.

Graham’s replacement could potentially come from outside the halls of Congress. There is speculation that Lt. Governor Pamela Akşamte, who received Trump’s support in his gubernatorial campaign, may also enter the fray.

And Politico reported this Treasury Secretary Scott BessentThe South Carolina native, who has a home in the state, was fielding calls from people encouraging him to run. Bessent’s spokespeople did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.