EXCLUSIVE — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ruled out running to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on Tuesday.
“There’s going to be a primary in South Carolina, and I will not be in it,” Bessent said in an interview with the Washington Examiner.
Pressed if there’s any chance of entering the race, Bessent responded, “No chance. I have the best job in Washington.”
Speculation about Bessent running started soon after Graham died over the weekend at 71. Bessent is a South Carolina native and still maintains a residence there.
Bessent and Graham were close friends and worked together to pass President Donald Trump’s signature tax law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, last year.
Bessent hailed the selection of Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as a “great interim pick” to replace the late senator until the end of his term. Bessent attended her swearing-in on Monday, calling it “a lovely ceremony.”
While Bessent may be out, a number of South Carolina Republicans are already jockeying for the chance to replace Graham.
Trump suggested Monday that Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) is his favored candidate. Trump told Newsmax that Fry is “outstanding” and a “very, very talented person.”
HOW WILL LINDSEY GRAHAM BE REPLACED AS SOUTH CAROLINA SENATOR AFTER SUDDEN DEATH?
Retiring Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Ralph Norman (R-SC), both of whom lost bids for South Carolina governor, are also eyeing the seat.
Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2003 and was running for a fifth term this year. Whoever wins the Republican primary will be heavily favored to win the general election in November.