Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman still eyeing run to replace Lindsey Graham despite Trump snub

Reps.

Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) are both still considering bids for the U.S. Senate despite President Trump https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/trump-darline-graham-nordone-senate-endorsement" target="_blank">endorsing Darline Graham Nordone for a full six-year term.

Why it matters: A run by either could mean a messy Aug. 11 special primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on the general election ballot.

• But Mace is still considering a bid, according to two sources familiar with her thinking, with one telling Axios it would be "political malpractice not to."
• Norman, asked if he is still considering a run, told Axios in a text message: "Yes!!"

Driving the news: Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday that he asked Graham Nordone — the sister of the late senator who Gov. Henry McMaster (R) appointed to finish Graham's term — to run.

• "I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey," the president https://truthsocial.com/%40realDonaldTrump/posts/116936914779266256" target="_blank">wrote on Truth Social.
• Graham Nordone did not immediately respond to a text message asking if she plans to run, though Semafor https://www.semafor.com/article/07/17/2026/darline-graham-eyeing-a-run-for-a-full-senate-term" target="_blank">reported she is exploring a run.

Zoom out: Several other Republicans had been seen as potential candidates for the seat, including Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.), Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, businessman Mark Lynch and former Rep. Mark Sanford.

• Sanford, who https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/mark-sanford-comeback-south-carolina-governor-congress-senate" target="_blank">briefly ran for his old U.S. House seat earlier this year, even took the step of converting his campaign to a Senate committee, according to a https://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/195/202607169890837195/202607169890837195.pdf" target="_blank">filing to the Federal Election Commission.
• Mace and Norman both ran for governor this year, finishing fifth and third in the Republican primary, respectively.