ALBAWABA - As vultures circling carrion, Republicans in South Carolina are eyeing late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's seat; which of them will succeed the late Republican?
It is worth noting that Lindsey Graham, the American senator and close ally of President Donald Trump, passed away on June 11, according to a statement released by his office on Sunday.
His office wrote on X, "On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."
According to American media, here are the top candidates that could replace Lindsey Graham:
Gov. McMaster’s choice: Pamela Evette
Pamela Evette is South Carolina’s lieutenant governor and close ally of Governor Henry McMaster, and is the most probable candidate for Graham’s seat; she is speculated to be his temporary replacement until the special Senate elections in January.
While she recently lost the GOP gubernatorial elections, she still has an edge in the ensuing Republican primary.
Nancy Mace
A high-profile name in Republican circles, Nancy Mace has a strong shot at being Graham’s successor. She is actively weighing running for the position despite some Republicans feeling a little tense due to her polarizing style.
Russell Fry
Having strong conservative credentials, Russell Fry is another strong candidate for the seat. His backing in the state’s GOP makes him the definite candidate if Republican party men choose to come to a consensus.
Mark Lynch
Lynch was Graham’s opponent in the 2016 Senate elections, losing to the man despite a well-funded campaign. It seems that after that loss, he has lost interest in pursuing the seat, making no statements on running for it; still, he is worth a mention.
Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent has received many proposals from top Republicans to run for the seat, indicating that he is well-liked for the position and has the support needed to pull it off; except that he doesn’t want to. Bessent has reportedly told fellow Republicans that he is quite content working in Trump’s administration, making his chances, by his own hands, negligible.
