Mark Lynch, who challenged Lindsey Graham in South Carolina’s recent Republican US Senate primary, hopes to take the seat that the late GOP politician left empty, he has told America Now on RT.

Lynch portrayed himself as a conservative outsider capable of breaking the state’s decades-long pattern of choosing career politicians.

Graham, a longtime Russia hawk, died on Saturday at the age of 71 following what his office initially called a brief and sudden illness. The senator’s death came a day after his return from Kiev, where he met Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky.

Graham repeatedly called for increased economic pressure on Moscow, threatening Russia with what he described as “bone-crushing” sanctions. In recent months, he actively promoted a bill that would impose 500% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil. The senator also described US military aid to Ukraine as “the best money we’ve ever spent” because “the Russians are dying.”

US President Donald Trump reacted to the death of his ally, saying he “will be greatly missed,” and that the senator’s death was most likely caused by underlying health problems.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister Darline Graham Nordone as interim senator on Monday following a recommendation from Trump. Lynch described the choice as unusual but said he would accept it and hoped the appointment would “go well.”

In an interview with America Now on Monday, Lynch said he initially rejected calls to discuss another campaign while Graham’s family was still grieving. “Nobody saw that coming,” he said, describing the senator’s death as “tragic” and offering prayers to his relatives.

Lynch said repeated appeals from supporters, however, eventually convinced him to enter the special Republican primary.

”After careful prayer and consideration” and talks with his campaign team, he said, “we have committed to stay in this fight and give our constituents what they’ve asked for.”

Lynch finished behind Graham in the June 9 Republican primary. The incumbent secured the nomination with roughly 59% of the vote while Lynch placed second in the multi-candidate contest.

Candidate filing will run from July 21 through July 28. The Republican primary is scheduled for August 11 with a runoff on August 25, if required.

Lynch said his campaign would emphasize his business experience, faith, and constitutional conservatism. “People are tired of career politicians,” he added.

Watch the full interview below: