Nancy Mace says she will not run for Lindsey Graham's South Carolina Senate seat

“I’m not running for the U.S. Senate, not because I’m backing down from a fight, but because the one I’m already in matters right now,” she said in a video. "The laws meant to protect me and other women failed us. I won't stop until that changes."

By Misty Severi

Published: July 20, 2026 5:25pm

South Carolina GOP Rep. Nancy Mace announced Monday that she will not run for the late-Sen. Lindsey Graham's Senate seat in a special election next month, stating she was chasing "justice" for women who were victims of assault instead of seeking another title.

The move comes after Mace came in fifth in her bid for the Republican nomination for governor earlier this year. She teased a potential bid for Senate a day after Graham died unexpectedly earlier this month at the age of 71.

“I’m not running for the U.S. Senate, not because I’m backing down from a fight, but because the one I’m already in matters right now,” she said in a video announcement. "The laws meant to protect me and other women failed us. I won't stop until that changes.

"So I'm not chasing another title, I'm chasing justice," she continued. "Justice for me, justice for other women and justice for every little girl who was told to stay silent."

Mace has not formally announced what she intends to do after her term ends in January, but has promised to continue promoting South Carolinian values and calling out politicians online.

The special election to determine who will represent the Republican Party on the Senate ballot in November will take place Aug. 11.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.