South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death on Sunday shocked the nation and drew an outpouring of prayers.
Now, several prominent figures are being floated as possible replacements for Graham.
One of those names is Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina Republican governor and former U.N. ambassador in President Donald Trump’s first term.
However, a spokesperson for Haley has told Bloomberg that she is not interested in running in the South Carolina Senate special election to replace Graham.
Haley, who ran for president in 2024 and has remained active in Republican circles, shared a warm public tribute to Graham on Instagram on Sunday shortly after news of his passing.
In the post, she wrote, “Lindsey loved South Carolina deeply. There was never a day he stopped fighting for the people of our state. Through his military service and years in public office, he gave his all to protect America and our freedom-loving allies. He was truly one of a kind. Michael and I are lifting up Darline and his entire family in prayer during this difficult time.”
The post received significant engagement, with some commenters urging Haley to consider running for the seat herself, calling her “the most qualified person” for the role.
The vacancy comes at a sensitive time for South Carolina Republicans, who hold strong majorities in the state but face a potentially open race for a long-held Senate seat.
Graham had been a fixture in the Senate since 2003, known for his hawkish foreign policy views and close alliance with former President Donald Trump recently.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said Sunday that she is open to running for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, while emphasizing that her immediate focus remains on honoring her longtime colleague.
Appearing on Fox News Live, Mace was asked whether she was considering a campaign for the seat.
She said she was still processing Graham’s death but acknowledged the possibility had crossed her mind.
