Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly being encouraged by Republican figures to consider a run for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as the party begins weighing potential candidates ahead of a special election.
According to a report published Sunday by Politico, Bessent, a South Carolina native, has been receiving calls from individuals urging him to enter the race.
The outlet noted that Bessent has maintained a home in South Carolina while serving in Washington as Treasury secretary.
Politico reported that Bessent has been “fielding calls from people asking him to run,” citing a person familiar with the communications.
However, another individual described as being close to Bessent told the publication that the Treasury secretary remains focused on his current position.
According to that source, Bessent's interest is in continuing to serve as Treasury secretary, a role the report said he has long wanted.
Politico also reported that a Treasury Department spokesperson did not immediately comment on the speculation surrounding a possible Senate campaign.
The discussion comes as Republicans move quickly to determine how Graham's Senate seat will be filled following news of the longtime senator's death.
President Donald Trump told NBC News that he already has “someone in mind” to succeed Graham but did not identify the individual or provide additional details about his thinking.
Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said she is not seeking an interim appointment to the Senate, which could be made by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.
Speaking with CNN's Fredericka Whitfield, Mace said she had offered the governor a different suggestion.
“I told the governor this morning that, I suggested that he should nominate himself,” Mace said. “He can do that, to be a sort of caretaker in between now and January 3rd. And then there would be a special election.”
Mace also explained why she is not pursuing the temporary appointment.
“I’m not pursuing it. I’m told that Joe Wilson’s not pursuing it, that interim appointment, because we need every vote that we can have for the president in the House as it stands today,” she said.
Although Mace ruled out seeking the interim position, she acknowledged she is considering the possibility of running for the Senate seat in the future.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t look at” running for the seat, she said, before adding that her immediate priority is honoring Graham.
“But right now, my focus is going to be on mourning Lindsey Graham and honoring his legacy,” Mace said.
Politico also outlined the timeline for selecting the Republican nominee.
According to the report, a special candidate filing period for Republicans will begin on July 21 and remain open for one week, in accordance with South Carolina law and state Republican Party rules.
The publication reported that a Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election would be held on Aug. 25.
The Republican nominee will then face Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic candidate, in the November general election.
According to Politico, the winner of that race will serve a full six-year Senate term beginning in January of next year.
