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 … 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 U.S. Ambassador to Belize.

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