Paul Dans to Challenge Graham in SC GOP Primary

Paul Dans, a chief architect of Project 2025 and former Trump administration official, has announced a Republican primary challenge against incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina's 2026 Senate race after recently stepping down from Project 2025 amid scrutiny. Dans positions himself as a right-wing alternative, criticizing Graham for lacking conservative credentials and being entrenched in Washington. The primary field includes other GOP contenders such as former Lt. Gov. André Bauer and businessman Mark Lynch. Graham has secured endorsements from Donald Trump, Sen. Tim Scott, and Gov. Henry McMaster, while Dans has not yet gained major endorsements. Project 2025, which Dans helped develop at the Heritage Foundation, continues to influence conservative debate and face Democratic criticism. The outcome of this race will test GOP loyalties and could affect the Senate's direction as Republicans look to maintain their majority.