Andre Bauer has launched a Republican primary challenge against Senator Lindsey Graham for South Carolina’s 2026 Senate race, marking a major test for Trump’s influence and party unity.

Bauer Touts Trump Ties as He Enters 2026 Race

In a move set to shake up South Carolina politics, former Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer announced Wednesday that he will run for the United States Senate in 2026, directly challenging long-serving Senator Lindsey Graham in the Republican primary. Bauer, a wealthy developer and prominent Trump supporter, declared his campaign by pledging to be a “true conservative fighter” who will unapologetically stand with President Donald Trump and put South Carolina first.

Bauer’s campaign highlighted his early and steadfast loyalty to the America First movement, noting that he was among the first leaders nationwide to endorse Trump in 2016. “André is a proven conservative fighter who will unapologetically stand with President Trump,” Bauer’s campaign stated, positioning him as a staunch MAGA ally ready to challenge Graham from the right.

Senator Graham, who in February launched his bid for a fifth term representing the state, remains a high-profile Trump ally and recently received Trump’s endorsement for re-election. Graham announced this week that veteran GOP strategist Chris LaCivita, who served as co-chair of Trump’s 2024 campaign, would join his re-election effort as a senior advisor. Graham has long been known for his advocacy on national security and his role in advancing the president’s legislative agenda.

Attacks Focus on Spending, Immigration, and Foreign Policy

Bauer wasted no time going on the offensive, labeling his opponent “Globalist Lindsey Graham.” In his campaign launch, Bauer accused Graham of supporting big government spending, sending taxpayer dollars overseas, and advocating for regime change wars. He also criticized Graham’s repeated support for amnesty for illegal immigrants, arguing that the senator had lost touch with conservative values and the needs of South Carolinians.

Graham, a fixture in South Carolina and national politics, has previously survived right-wing primary challenges. Once a critic of Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Graham became one of the president’s most visible allies, working closely with Trump on key legislative initiatives. On Tuesday, Graham highlighted his work on the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a major spending and tax cut package supported by Trump, and noted his pride in helping guide it through the Senate.

Graham’s campaign responded to Bauer’s challenge by criticizing Bauer’s political ambitions. Campaign spokeswoman Abby Zilch claimed, “Andre Bauer has spent his career chasing titles to feed his ego, running for five different offices and even trying to leverage Senator Graham and the White House for an ambassadorship. When that failed, he launched his sixth campaign – proving once again, this is all about Making Andre Great Again.”

The upcoming Republican primary is set to be a defining contest for the state’s GOP. South Carolina, where Republicans have dominated statewide elections, is expected to see the primary winner emerge as the strong favorite in the 2026 general election. As both candidates double down on their support for President Trump, the race will likely serve as a litmus test for the future direction of the Republican Party in the Palmetto State.