Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, a key ally of former President Donald Trump, is initiating his campaign for a fifth term, supported by prominent Republicans in his state. His efforts to secure re-election for 2026 are being bolstered by Senator Tim Scott and Governor Henry McMaster, who will chair his campaign, signaling a strong start in a race where he is anticipated to face various challengers.
Graham’s team announced on Tuesday that Scott, who is also the current chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and McMaster, the state’s longest-serving governor, would lead the campaign efforts. Scott recently competed against Trump for the GOP presidential nomination before ultimately supporting him during the party primary. McMaster has served two terms as governor after taking over Nikki Haley’s term when she was appointed as Trump’s first ambassador to the United Nations.
This early endorsement from both state leaders highlights Graham’s stature and support in a state where Trump’s influence remains strong since his initial campaign in 2016. It represents a strategic maneuver in anticipation of the challenges he may encounter, particularly from primary candidates as he has previously been a target for criticism within his party.
The senator has faced backlash from far-right factions within South Carolina, notably being censured by local Republican groups for his bipartisan collaboration efforts, which some party affiliates perceive as a disregard for grassroots sentiments. At various rallies, including a recent July event in his hometown during a Trump appearance, Graham was met with boos from the crowd, illustrating the tension between him and certain factions of the party.
Despite these challenges, Graham’s campaign reported having over $15.6 million in cash reserves for his re-election efforts, highlighting a robust fundraising ability with close to a million dollars raised in just the last quarter of 2024. In his 2020 campaign, he overcame several GOP rivals, ultimately defeating Democrat Jaime Harrison, who previously served as the chair of the Democratic National Committee, by a notable margin of 10 percentage points.
Among the potential candidates who might challenge Graham in the Republican primary are Representative Ralph Norman, associated with the House Freedom Caucus, and Adam Morgan, a former South Carolina lawmaker who previously sought to unseat U.S. Representative William Timmons. As the race progresses, the political landscape will continue to evolve, with Graham seeking to consolidate his position amidst emerging competitors.
