A recent survey reveals former U.S. Representative Trey Gowdy leading the Republican field in South Carolina’s special U.S. Senate primary election, though he has explicitly stated he holds no intention to run for the seat.
The death of Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., while seeking reelection triggered a special election to determine who will serve the next six-year Senate term. Governor Henry McMaster appointed his sister, Darline Graham, to temporarily fill the vacancy until the winner is sworn in.
According to a poll conducted by Peak Insights—July 18–20 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points—Gowdy currently leads with 38% support among likely voters for the primary. The survey shows Rep. Ralph Norman at 13%, Rep. Russell Fry at 9%, and Darline Graham at 9%.
When respondents were informed Darline Graham had received a presidential endorsement from Donald Trump, her support rose to 16% while Gowdy’s fell to 35%.
Gowdy, who served four terms in Congress before declining to seek reelection in 2018, confirmed via spokesperson that he “has not had any conversations about the open Senate seat and does not have any interest in it.”
Senator Tim Scott, R-S.C., chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has been actively recruiting Gowdy for the race. Scott stated: “I can’t think of a better person that I think best represents the heart of South Carolina than Trey Gowdy.” He emphasized efforts to secure Gowdy’s participation, though he acknowledged uncertainty about outcomes.
