Bessent on running for Graham Senate seat: ‘No chance’

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday threw cold water on the idea of launching a bid to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in the Senate.

“There’s going to be a primary in South Carolina, and I will not be in it,” Bessent told the Washington Examiner in an interview, adding later that there’s “no chance” he would jump into the race.

“I have the best job in Washington,” the Treasury chief said.

Graham died late Saturday following complications from an aortic dissection at age 71.

Bessent, who is also from the Palmetto State, touted the relationship he had with the senator in a message following his passing.

“It was an honor to call him my friend. And work with him to advance President Trump’s agenda at home and on the international stage,” he wrote Sunday on social platform X.

“Lindsey was a one-of-a-kind politician who could speak at length on both global defense policy and South Carolina kitchen table issues,” Bessent continued. “He will be missed across our state, country and the entire globe.”

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) named Graham’s younger sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve out the rest of the term. She was sworn in to the upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday afternoon.

Bessent celebrated the move in a post online.

“As a South Carolina native, I can think of no more fitting tribute to Lindsey Graham’s legacy of service to our state and our nation than seeing his beloved sister carry it forward,” he wrote on X. “Darline has always been at her brother’s side and I know she will be an outstanding interim Senator.”

“The U.S. Treasury will do everything possible to support her and her staff as they work on the President’s agenda and continue to provide strong constituent services for the great people of South Carolina,” the Treasury Department head added.

Speculations have swirled in recent days around who could replace the staunch war hawk on the ballot in November. Bessent was just one of the names floated as a potential candidate in the race.

Graham easily won his primary election in June and was set to face off against Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in the general election, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Andrews also reacted to the news of his death, which sent shockwaves through Washington, in a statement.

“My deepest condolences are with the family of Senator Lindsey Graham, his friends, his devoted staff, and all who are grieving this sudden and tremendous loss,” Andrews wrote in a statement online, offering some praise for the senator’s 23 years in the Senate and past time served in the U.S. Air Force.

“I hope that South Carolinians will join me in setting partisanship aside and offering gratitude” to him, she added.

A special primary will be held on Aug. 11 to determine a new GOP nominee. Should a runoff be needed, it is slated for Aug. 25.

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Darline Graham Nordone

Donald Trump

Graham death

henry mcmaster

Lindsey Graham

Scott Bessent

senate republicans

South Carolina Senate race

Treasury Department

Washington Examiner

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