Story perspectives

Gov. McMaster to Announce Interim Senator; Bessent Leads Race

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the highest-ranking openly LGBTQ official, is a leading candidate to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Representative Nancy Mace, Representative Russell Fry, Representative Ralph Norman and suggested Darline Graham as interim senator on Truth Social.
Governor Henry McMaster will announce the interim pick Monday at 4 p.m., amid Republicans pushing a $350 billion defense bill, war in Iran, and voting-rights changes dubbed “Jim Crow 2.0”.

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Story summary

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the highest-ranking openly LGBTQ official, is a leading candidate to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Representative Nancy Mace, Representative Russell Fry, Representative Ralph Norman and suggested Darline Graham as interim senator on Truth Social.
Governor Henry McMaster will announce the interim pick Monday at 4 p.m., amid Republicans pushing a $350 billion defense bill, war in Iran, and voting-rights changes dubbed “Jim Crow 2.0”.