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Nikki Haley rules out bid for South Carolina's vacant U.S. Senate seat
The former governor said she has no plans to seek elected office at this time.
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IANS - Mon, 13, Jul 2026
- 02:03 EDT
- 30
Nikki Haley / Courtesy: X/Nikki Haley
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will not run in the special election to replace Sen. Lindsey Graham, her spokesperson said on Sunday, ending early speculation about the Indian American Republican's political plans.
"While she has been blessed to serve her state and country as Governor, UN Ambassador, and as a candidate for President, she has no plans to run for office at this time," the spokesperson said, according to NBC News reporter Alec Hernandez.
Also read: Nikki Haley says Iran talks ‘not worth time’
Haley's name had emerged among several Republicans viewed as potential contenders for the seat following Graham's death on Saturday. According to Inside Elections, other possible candidates include Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and businessman Mark Lynch.
Before ruling herself out of the race, Haley paid tribute to Graham without addressing speculation about his successor.
"Lindsey loved South Carolina deeply. There was never a day he stopped fighting for the people of our state," she said.
"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."
Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, may appoint an interim senator to serve until Graham's term expires in January. His office has not indicated whom he may appoint or when an announcement will be made.
"At this time, our focus is on honoring Senator Graham's life and service," a McMaster spokesperson told CNN. "Questions regarding the process for filling the vacancy will be addressed by the Governor's Office when there are updates to share."
President Donald Trump told NBC News that he has a preferred candidate for the seat but declined to identify the individual, saying it was too soon after Graham's death.
"I have somebody that I think would be great, but I don't want to say it now because it's too soon with Lindsey," Trump said.
"I don't want to even talk about anybody, but I do have somebody that I think is really good."
South Carolina election law sets the candidate filing period from July 21 through July 28. A Republican special primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with a runoff on Aug. 25 if no candidate receives a majority of the vote.
The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November special election. Inside Elections currently rates the race as "Likely Republican."
Mace told CNN that "there will be time to decide" whether she will enter the race. Norman said he has not yet made a decision, while CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter, that Evette has been receiving calls encouraging her to run.
Haley served as governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017, becoming the state's first woman and first Indian American governor. She later served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during Trump's first administration before launching a bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Although she was Trump's last major rival to exit the race, Haley has remained active in Republican politics and foreign policy discussions without announcing plans to seek another elected office.
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