Nikki Haley Declines US Senate Run

Nikki Haley has officially declined to run for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. The decision opens the field for other Republican candidates in the upcoming special election.

Haley, a former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, had been considered a potential candidate for the seat. Her announcement ends speculation about her entering the race.

The special election to fill Graham's seat is expected to draw several Republican contenders. Haley's decision not to run clears a path for other candidates to compete for the nomination.

Graham, who served in the Senate since 2003, died recently. South Carolina law requires a special election to fill the vacancy, with the winner serving the remainder of his term.