Trump ally Graham faces Senate primary challenge from Andre Bauer

Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is shaking up the political landscape in the Palmetto State by announcing his candidacy for the Senate in 2026. Bauer, a wealthy developer and staunch Trump supporter, is challenging longtime GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham in the Republican primary.
In a statement released early Wednesday, Bauer wasted no time in criticizing Graham, accusing him of losing his way and claiming that South Carolinians deserve a true conservative fighter in the Senate. Bauer, who has been a vocal advocate for President Trump and the America First movement, emphasized his unwavering support for the former president and pledged to put South Carolina first if elected.
Bauer’s decision to run for Senate comes after unsuccessful bids for governor in 2010 and Congress in 2012. Despite these setbacks, Bauer remains undeterred and believes that his alignment with Trump’s policies and values will resonate with voters in the state.
On the flip side, Graham, who is seeking a fifth term in the Senate, has enjoyed Trump’s endorsement and recently brought on veteran Republican consultant Chris LaCivita to bolster his re-election campaign. Graham, who had a rocky relationship with Trump during the 2016 Republican primary, has since become a close ally of the former president and has been a vocal supporter of his policies.
The primary race between Bauer and Graham is shaping up to be a heated battle, with Bauer branding Graham as “Globalist Lindsey” and criticizing him for his past support of amnesty for illegal immigrants and his advocacy for foreign intervention. In response, Graham has highlighted his role in passing Trump’s landmark spending and tax cut bill and emphasized his commitment to advancing the president’s agenda.
As the primary campaign heats up, Republicans in South Carolina are closely watching the race, as the winner of the GOP primary is expected to have a strong advantage in the general election. With both candidates vying for the support of conservative voters, the outcome of the primary could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Senate seat in South Carolina.
In conclusion, the battle between Bauer and Graham is set to be a closely watched contest that will test the loyalty of South Carolina Republicans to both candidates. As the campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Bauer’s outsider appeal and Trumpian credentials will be enough to unseat Graham, who has deep roots in the state’s political establishment.