Lindsey Graham gets major primary challenger for 2026 reelection

Former Republican South Carolina Lt. Gov. André Bauer on Wednesday mounted a bid to unseat Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham in the 2026 GOP primary.

Bauer, a former CNN contributor, emphasized his relationship with President Donald Trump, saying in his announcement that he “will unapologetically stand with President Trump and the America First agenda.” The former two-term lieutenant governor’s announcement video also showed Trump introducing Bauer at a rally as a man who could “run for almost any office and win,” and it highlighted Trump’s unsuccessful nomination of Bauer to be the Belize ambassador.

President Donald Trump in March endorsed Graham for reelection, despite disapproval from some conservatives. Chris LaCivita, a co-campaign manager for Trump’s campaign in 2024, joined Graham’s 2026 campaign as senior advisor, The Hill reported.

Bauer’s announcement came just a day after Trump’s “big, beautiful” bill passed the Senate, with Graham’s support. Graham is widely regarded as holding hawkish views on foreign policy.

Bauer has previously criticized the four-term incumbent, notably in an AP interview the night before his campaign announcement. “I think Graham’s been there too long, and he votes like it,” Bauer said in the interview, “I’m guaranteed, I’m conservative, and I don’t think he is.”

In addition to Trump’s endorsement, the South Carolina senator has backing from Republican South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, and many prominent South Carolina donors, according to The State. Scott also supported the reconciliation bill on Tuesday, which all but three Republican senators voted for.

Democrat Annie Andrews announced her run against Graham for the 2026 election in May, despite having lost to Republican South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace in 2022.

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