Upstate Democrat Lee Johnson Challenges Sen. Lindsey Graham in 2026 Senate Race

Lee Johnson, an engineer and businessman from Greenville, South Carolina, has announced his bid to become the 2026 Democratic nominee to challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. Johnson emphasizes his working-class background in construction and engineering, pledging not to accept corporate PAC money, to serve only two terms, and to focus on issues such as protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering grocery and prescription drug costs, and making healthcare more affordable. Despite South Carolina’s strong Republican leanings and Graham’s considerable political endorsements, including President Donald Trump, Johnson aims to present himself as a fresh leader who has spent his life building for others rather than political gain. Johnson’s campaign highlights dissatisfaction with Graham’s alignment with Trump’s tariff policies and a lack of constituent engagement, while also noting Johnson’s family ties to politics through his wife’s recent unsuccessful state House run. Graham remains a formidable opponent with strong support among Republicans and major political figures in the state, but his approval ratings among all South Carolinians are mixed, suggesting potential vulnerabilities. Johnson’s campaign marks a continuation of Democratic efforts to contest the Senate seat in a challenging political environment.