Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is fielding calls from power brokers urging him to run for the South Carolina Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, according to reporting from Politico and the Associated Press.
Bessent, a South Carolina native who has maintained a home in the state during his time in Washington, is said to be “fielding calls from people asking him to run,” according to a person familiar with the communications, Politico reported. However, another source close to Bessent indicated his preference is to remain in his current Treasury post, a role he has long wanted.
Graham, 71, died on July 11 after suffering a torn aorta due to cardiovascular disease. His unexpected passing has triggered a compressed timeline for replacing him, with South Carolina law mandating a special Republican primary by August 11. A candidate filing period opens July 21 and remains open for one week, according to state law and the state Republican Party.
Bessent is not the only high-profile Republican considering a bid. Rep. Nancy Mace told CNN she is “not pursuing” an interim appointment that Gov. Henry McMaster can make to fill the seat through January, but said she would “be remiss if I didn’t look at” running for the seat itself. Rep. Ralph Norman is also among those being floated as a potential candidate, according to The Hill.
McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the late senator’s sister, as temporary replacement to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term. The winning Republican from the August 11 primary will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, in the November general election for a full six-year term beginning in January 2027.
President Trump told NBC News he has “someone in mind” for Graham’s seat but declined to name the person. Trump has publicly endorsed Graham’s sister for the temporary appointment, calling it a “wonderful” choice.
Sources
- Mediaite — Scott Bessent fielding calls to run for Graham’s seat, his stated preference to remain as Treasury secretary
- Politico — Bessent fielding calls, special primary timeline and filing period details
- HuffPost — Bessent described as fielding calls, his preference to stay in Treasury role
- AP News — Darline Graham Nordone appointed as temporary replacement
- The Hill — Potential candidates including Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace
- PBS NewsHour — Darline Graham Nordone appointment details
