In Chapin, South Carolina, former Lieutenant Governor André Bauer has declared his intention to challenge Senator Lindsey Graham in the upcoming GOP primary, citing Graham’s lack of conservative authenticity as his primary motivation.
Bauer, a prominent real estate developer and steadfast supporter of former President Donald Trump, will enter the race against Graham, who has been in the Senate for four terms. Though Graham’s relationship with Trump has fluctuated over the years, he still enjoys Trump’s endorsement for his reelection bid.
Identifying himself as a “real, America First conservative,” Bauer voiced his criticism of Graham, suggesting that the senator has become too entrenched in his position, claiming, “I think Graham’s been there too long, and he votes like it. I’m guaranteed, I’m conservative, and I don’t think he is.”
In South Carolina, where Republicans hold a strong grip on statewide offices, primary elections tend to be the most fiercely contested political battles. In previous primaries, Graham encountered challenges from conservative competitors who accused him of being too conciliatory towards Democratic ideas on subjects such as immigration and climate change.
Despite this, Graham adheres to key Republican principles, particularly in national security matters. Leading up to last month’s U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities, Graham urged Trump to strongly support Israel and work towards dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.
Graham launched his reelection campaign in February and has already attracted competition from other Republicans in the primary. He has secured Trump’s endorsement for the race, and his campaign has appointed Chris LaCivita, a co-manager for Trump’s 2024 campaign, as a senior adviser.
Abby Zilch, spokesperson for Graham’s campaign, has emphasized the senator’s strong endorsement from Trump and criticized Bauer as someone pursuing political positions to satisfy personal ambitions.
Bauer acknowledged the necessity of Trump’s Capitol Hill alliances to push through significant legislative measures, like the tax cuts and spending legislation that advanced from the Senate Budget Committee, which Graham chairs, before passing the Senate.
“Trump’s got to work and get his bills passed,” Bauer expressed. “Lindsey’s chairman of a major committee. … I get what you have to do.”
Bauer’s support for Trump dates back to prior to Trump’s victory in South Carolina’s 2016 GOP primary. During Trump’s 2024 campaign launch in the state, he referred to Bauer, emphasizing Bauer’s strong potential in any electoral race.
Bauer’s political resume includes two terms as the youngest lieutenant governor in the U.S. in 2002. However, his attempt at the governorship in 2010 was unsuccessful, with Nikki Haley securing the GOP primary win. In 2012, he contested for a congressional seat but lost the Republican runoff to Representative Tom Rice in a newly established district.
Regarding financial commitments to his campaign, Bauer refrained from disclosing the exact amount he is willing to invest but stated he would “put skin in the campaign.”:
“I’m going to cover this state like the dew covers Dixie,” Bauer declared. “I think you’re going to see a movement.”