The race to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina, previously held by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, is drawing a notable number of Republican contenders ahead of a critical deadline for the special primary election ballot.
Among the announced candidates is South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, who recently endorsed fellow Republican Ralph Norman. Norman posted a video of the endorsement on Thursday, highlighting Mace's support. Mace had previously been subject to speculation regarding a potential bid for Graham's seat but announced earlier this week that she would not be running herself.
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to send a tried and true conservative to the United States Senate," Mace said in the video shared by Norman. "Ralph Norman doesn’t bend, he doesn’t break, and he doesn’t back down."
Duke Buckner is another Republican entering the contest, as reported by WIS News 10. Buckner has a history of seeking elected office in South Carolina, having made multiple unsuccessful attempts to represent the state in the U.S. House and Senate.
"I am running because too many Americans are working harder and falling further behind," Buckner told WIS News 10. "People should be able to afford a home, raise a family, and build a better life. We need to make it easier to build, expand opportunities in the skilled trades, and lower the cost of living."