Nancy Mace says Trump 'may have ended' her political career when asked about running for Lindsey Graham's Senate seat

Published: 04:47, 14 July 2026 | Updated: 04:47, 14 July 2026 Congresswoman Nancy Mace admitted that her split with President Donald Trump over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files 'may have ended' her political career. Mace made the astonishing acknowledgment in an appearance on NewsNation Monday night, when Chris Cuomo asked if she would run in the special election to replace Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on Saturday at the age of 71. At first, the Republican congresswoman dodged the question, simply saying: 'My focus right now is focusing on South Carolina.' But Cuomo then brought up what he called her 'righteous break' with Trump over the release of files related to the investigation into the late financier - and asked if that may 'be enough to ruin your chances.' 'It may have ended my political career, Chris,' said Mace, who is in her last term in Congress.  'You said it,' Cuomo replied, shrugging his shoulders. Mace, once a staunch ally of Trump's, found herself at odds with the president when she signed a discharge petition to force a vote on legislation that would compel the Department of Justice to release all of its files - unredacted except for the victims' names - on deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Trump ultimately signed the legislation after it passed in both chambers.  But when Mace then ran for South Carolina governor, the president opted to endorse Lt. Governor Pamela Evette over the congresswoman. Mace wound up finishing the Republican primary in last place with just 12 percent of the vote. Congresswoman Nancy Mace admitted on Monday that her split with President Donald Trump 'may have ended' her political career The Republican from South Carolina was one of just a few House Republicans to go against Trump by signing a discharge petition to force a vote on legislation that would compel the Department of Justice to release all of its files on deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein However, it seems Mace is undaunted and now has her eyes on becoming a US senator. Just hours after Graham's untimely death was announced, Mace posted a clip of character Michael Corleone in The Godfather: Part III, captioned with the quote 'Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in...' A representative for Mace later confirmed to the Daily Mail that she is considering a bid to run. Two people familiar with her thinking also told Politico she plans on beginning to poll voters this week.  She has already touted how she enjoys 'calling out Democrats and Republicans alike' in her interview with Cuomo on Monday night, saying it's 'the calculation when I take votes.' 'I've loved the job, it's been an honor to serve South Carolina,' the congresswoman said, before acknowledging: 'I got my butt beat in the governor's race, OK?' 'So those are all things that you sort of weigh,' she said. 'You know, we'll see what happens in the next couple of days. But I think it would be really important for us as a state to honor the man, the myth and the legend,' Mace continued, turning her attention back on Graham's legacy.  The longtime senator had been a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, helping advance his agenda on everything from spending bills to the conflict in Iran.  A representative for Mace confirmed to the Daily Mail she is looking to run for the Senate seat vacated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham Just hours after Graham's untimely death was announced, Mace posted a clip of character Michael Corleone in The Godfather: Part III, captioned with the quote 'Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in…' His death has narrowed Republicans' Senate majority, to just 52 to 47.  That slim advantage is further strained as Senator Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, remains hospitalized with pneumonia after a fall at his home. South Carolina Republican Governor Henry McMaster on Monday appointed Graham's younger sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to finish out his term, which expires in January. She told reporters it was 'a privilege' to help finish Graham's 'important work.' 'My brother was the most amazing person, outstanding leader, and just a genuinely good man,' she said. 'I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honor him in this way.' President Trump commended the decision, saying the appointment is a 'fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly.' Graham is pictured hugging his sister Darline Graham Nordone, after announcing his bid for president on June 1, 2015 Graham, 71, was a lifelong bachelor, and his sister and her two daughters were his only close family To fill the seat permanently, the Republicans have a primary scheduled for August 11. That contest will advance to a runoff on August 25 if no single candidate wins a majority of votes.  As Mace now considers whether to throw her hat in the ring, Mark Lynch - who unsuccessfully ran against Graham in the past - announced on Monday that he is running. 'My wife, Sarah, and I were shocked and heartbroken to learn of Senator Lindsey Graham’s passing. Our prayers are with his family, friends, staff, and all who are mourning him,' he said in a statement. 'Since yesterday morning, people across South Carolina have asked about my plans.' 'I entered this race in February 2025 because I believe in putting South Carolina first, advancing President Trump’s America First agenda, and defending the Constitution. Those convictions have not changed,' Lynch said. 'I intend to finish the race we started and will commit an additional $5 million to that effort.' Sources familiar with the matter have also confirmed to the Daily Mail that Congressman Ralph Norman is 'open to considering' running.  He even reportedly asked President Trump for his endorsement on Sunday, to which the president replied 'give me a week,' Bloomberg News reports.  But Norman would likely also face backlash from MAGA, given that he broke with Trump to endorse Alan Wilson for governor over Lt Governor Pamela Evette. Mark Lynch announced on Monday he is running in the Republican primary for Graham's seat Of the state's current GOP delegation in Congress, senior Republicans say Congressman Russell Fry would be the strongest to run in the special election as he maintains a close relationship with Trump. However, Republicans on Capitol Hill are wary of any member leaving Congress before the end of the session, given the party's narrow majority there as well. That left one congressman, dean of the South Carolina Republican delegation Joe Wilson, to dismiss reports on Sunday that he was interested in the appointment. He wrote on X that he spoke with Trump and 'assured him my goal is to remain in the House to keep his two-vote majority for the American people!!!' As a result, speculation on who may take the seat has narrowed in on Evette, the lieutenant governor who won Trump's endorsement in her own bid for governor. A person close to Evette told Politico she has yet to make up her mind on a run, but is fielding 'tons of encouragement from around the state' to throw her hat in the ring. Those interested in running now have until July 21 to get their name on the ballot for the primary.