South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham Faces Democratic, GOP Primary Challenges

Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and Democrat who previously ran unsuccessfully against U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in 2022, has announced her campaign to challenge four-term Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham in the 2026 South Carolina Senate race. Andrews criticizes Graham for his shifting political stances, his past criticisms and later support of Donald Trump, and his ties to figures like Elon Musk, whom she blames for policy threats to Social Security, Medicare, and veterans' healthcare. She launched her campaign with a provocative ad highlighting children's health issues and portraying Graham as untrustworthy. Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham appears vulnerable in the Republican primary as a recent poll shows 57% of GOP primary voters would not support him if the election were held today, with businessman Mark Lynch gaining significant support as a more conservative alternative. Lynch emphasizes the need for trustworthy politicians aligned with former President Trump's MAGA agenda, criticizing Graham for not fully supporting Trump-related reforms. These developments indicate growing challenges for Graham both within his party and from Democratic opposition in the general election.