South Carolina Senate Race 2026

Compare candidates running in this South Carolina federal race. Review their positions, voting records, campaign promises, and donor information.

Mark Lynch

Party: Republican

Paul Dans

Party: Republican

Annie Andrews

Party: Democrat

Lindsey Graham

Party: Republican

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South Carolina Senate Race

Election: Nov 3, 2026Updated: Apr 6, 2026
📊Polling+5.0 Graham
Graham leads Andrews by 5 points in the most recent general election polling
Source: Impact Research2026-03-02
47%
Graham
42%
Andrews
safe r— Cook Political Report

While South Carolina is a safe Republican seat, Democrats view the state as competitive due to Trump's declining approval. Graham needs to win the June 9 primary first.

Mark LynchR
Paul DansR
Annie AndrewsD
Lindsey GrahamR

Summary

Mark Lynch is a Greenville-area businessman and appliance store owner who previously ran unsuccessfully for South Carolina State Senate in 2020, losing by about 6 percentage points. He is the owner of Jeff Lynch Appliance and TV Center, a family business started by his father more than 70 years ago that Lynch himself took over at age 25 through a buy-sell agreement. Under his leadership, Lynch has grown the single-store retail operation into a multi-million dollar business employing over 110 people. Beyond his business, Lynch has served as an addiction counselor, is an avid marksman, and plays guitar in a band called Concealed Damage. He is a deacon at Burnsview Baptist Church in Greer. Lynch is a father of two and grandfather of four. He is a co-founder of the United Patriots Alliance, a Greenville-based organization with ties to the John Birch Society.

Paul Edouard Dans (born 1968/1969) is an attorney and political operative best known as the chief architect of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation's comprehensive conservative blueprint for Trump's second term. A lifelong conservative and fluent French speaker, Dans previously served as Chief of Staff to the Office of Personnel Management in Trump's first administration. He holds a B.S. in Economics and Master's in City Planning from MIT, where he was a Division I lacrosse player. Dans and his wife, Mary Helen Bowers (founder of Ballet Beautiful and former NYC Ballet dancer), reside in Charleston, South Carolina. In July 2025, Dans announced his challenge to Graham in the Republican primary, positioning himself as the true Trump advocate and demanding Graham either support Trump fully or step aside.

Dr. Annie Andrews is a pediatrician with nearly 20 years of clinical experience caring for South Carolina's children. A mother of three, she splits her time between Charleston, South Carolina, where her children attend public school, and Washington, D.C., where she works at a children's hospital. Andrews previously ran unsuccessfully against Republican Rep. Nancy Mace in 2022, losing in a district race centered on healthcare and abortion rights but establishing herself as a strong fundraiser. The South Carolina measles outbreak in late 2025 became a cornerstone of her campaign platform, with Andrews positioning herself as an expert voice on public health policy and misinformation prevention.

Lindsey Olin Graham (born July 9, 1955) is the senior U.S. Senator from South Carolina, serving since 2003. A former U.S. Representative, Graham has become a prominent voice on national security and foreign policy. He served in the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps and Air Force Reserve, earning a Bronze Star. Graham holds a B.A. and J.D. from the University of South Carolina. He has transitioned from an initial Trump critic in 2016 to a close Trump ally, particularly after their March 2017 meeting. As Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, Graham has focused on economic policy, border security, and federal spending reduction.

Campaign Promises

Other
  • Return to God-Fearing, Constitutional Leadership
  • Put America's Interests First
Healthcare
  • Address the Opioid Crisis
Immigration
  • Secure the Border and Combat Illegal Immigration
Economy
  • Business-Focused Governance
Other
  • End the 'Swamp' and Protect America First
  • Continue Project 2025 Conservative Agenda
  • Consolidate Anti-Graham Vote
Defense
  • Prevent World War III
Economy
  • Make the American Dream Affordable
Healthcare
  • Address Healthcare Crisis
Economy
  • Economic Opportunity for Families
Justice
  • End Government Corruption
Other
  • Protect Social Safety Net
  • Reform Campaign Finance
Economy
  • Economy and Growth
Immigration
  • Border Security
Defense
  • Military and Defense
Other
  • Support for Israel
  • Second Amendment Rights

Key Issue Positions

Graham is a RINO (Republican in Name Only)
Graham has betrayed conservative values and doesn't truly support Trump despite endorsement
Lynch's core campaign message is that Graham is not a true Republican and conservative. He calls Graham 'Liberal Lindsey,' a 'traitorous, back-stabbing flimsy flip flopper,' and accuses him of voting like someone who has been in office too long.
Authenticity and Trustworthiness
Graham has changed positions on nearly every issue for political expediency
Lynch has highlighted Graham's past criticisms of Trump in 2016 and his evolution into a Trump ally as evidence of unprincipled calculation rather than genuine belief.
Small Business Perspective
Bring private-sector success and practical business leadership to Senate
Lynch emphasizes that his 36+ years of growing a family business from a single store into a multi-million dollar operation with 110+ employees demonstrates leadership, accountability, and practical problem-solving.
Graham's Alleged Betrayal of Trump and America First
Graham is a RINO who has betrayed Trump and MAGA by compromising on key issues
Dans repeatedly criticizes Graham for his past criticism of Trump in 2016, his support for Ukraine aid, and his 'warmongering' on Iran. Dans frames these as evidence Graham cannot be trusted to advance Trump's true agenda.
Project 2025 Implementation
Federal government needs radical restructuring and downsizing
As Project 2025 architect, Dans designed a comprehensive conservative plan to downsize federal government, reduce regulations, implement socially conservative policies, defund DEI programs, restrict LGBTQ+ rights, limit abortion access, and replace career civil servants with Trump loyalists.
Foreign Policy and Military Spending
End unnecessary wars and reduce U.S. military commitments abroad
Dans criticizes Graham's hawkish foreign policy as costly and unnecessary. Vows to end what he calls American involvement in conflicts like the Ukraine war and U.S. military presence in Syria.
Personal Attacks on Graham
Questions Graham's personal integrity and authenticity
Dans has made increasingly aggressive personal attacks on Graham, with late-2025/early-2026 reports indicating Dans questioned Graham's bachelorhood status, making allusions to rumors about Graham's personal life.
Public Health and Vaccination
Strong supporter of vaccination and combating health misinformation
The South Carolina measles outbreak (120+ cases by December 2025) became the centerpiece of her campaign. Andrews has explicitly blamed RFK Jr. and his anti-vaccine disinformation for the outbreak. She made public service announcements about the disease and positioned herself as a credible medical voice against misinformation.
Healthcare Access and Affordability
Universal healthcare advocate; focus on children and vulnerable populations
Wants to address prescription drug costs, mental health access, and healthcare for uninsured South Carolinians. Points to examples from her work: children with food insecurity, asthma worsened by mold in substandard housing, lack of mental health resources.
Graham's 22-Year Record
Graham has failed to improve South Carolina and has become more corrupt over time
Andrews argues Graham has been in office for 22 years (half of her lifetime) with little to show for it. She points to his changing positions on nearly every issue and his focus on pleasing Trump and donors rather than serving constituents.
Foreign Policy and Military Intervention
Hawkish, internationalist; strong supporter of military intervention
Graham is known as a war hawk who consistently supports military interventions. He has been a vocal advocate for U.S. involvement overseas, including support for interventions in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine. Recently endorsed Trump's push for peace with Iran while maintaining hawkish rhetoric.
Senate Budget and Federal Spending
Fiscal conservative opposed to waste; committed to balanced budget
As Senate Budget Committee Chair, Graham emphasizes cutting out-of-control federal spending and addressing the national debt, which he calls 'a security threat.' Supports 5% annual federal spending reductions per department.
Trump Alignment
Evolved from Trump critic to strong Trump ally
Graham initially criticized Trump sharply in 2016 but completely reversed position after Trump won. Now serves as Trump's close ally and golfing buddy. Received Trump's 'Complete and Total Endorsement' in March 2026.

Top Donors

Personal wealth/campaign self-funding
$4-5 million pledgedIndividual
Lynch pledged to invest between $4-5 million of his own money into his campaign, and expected to attract additional donations. However, as a businessman without the national GOP infrastructure, he has attracted less overall funding than Graham.
Small-dollar Republican donors
Limited donations reportedSmall Donor
Lynch's campaign has struggled to attract major donors compared to Graham and even Dans
Personal wealth/family resources
Sufficient to maintain campaign despite cash-flow problemsIndividual
Dans appears to be self-funding or relying on family wealth as traditional Republican donors have largely stuck with Graham
Grassroots conservative donors
Hundreds of thousands in early 2026Small Donor
Dans reported fundraising in 'hundreds of thousands' in first months of 2026, though his campaign finance reports showed debt exceeding cash-on-hand by late 2025
College Republicans of America
Endorsement and organizational supportOrganization
Endorsed Dans in October 2025, calling him 'the exact candidate that our country needs'
Small-dollar online donations
Outraised Graham in Q3 and Q4 2025Small Donor
Andrews has built a strong grassroots fundraising operation and reportedly outraised the incumbent in two recent quarters, though Graham maintains more cash-on-hand overall
314 Action
Support and endorsementOrganization
Group dedicated to recruiting and supporting doctors and health professionals in politics has recruited Andrews and supported her candidacy
Impact Research (polling/strategic support)
Campaign research and polling supportOrganization
Democratic-aligned firm that has produced favorable polling and strategic analysis for Andrews
Trump, Donald J.
Endorsement (not monetary)Individual
Presidential endorsement given March 26, 2025; widely leveraged in campaign advertising
Multiple Corporate PACs
$15.6 million+ (2025 total)Industry PAC
Major donors include Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Caterpillar, Verizon, T-Mobile, and numerous other corporations. Graham has significant corporate PAC support across healthcare, technology, and defense sectors.
Campaign war chest
$13.4-15.6 millionMixed
Graham has built a substantial war chest that has warded off serious primary challengers. As of early 2026, he held significantly more cash-on-hand than Democratic and Republican rivals.
Tea Party Express
Organizational supportOrganization
Endorsed Graham's reelection campaign
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America
Organizational supportOrganization
Anti-abortion group endorsed Graham

Contradictions

Claim: Lynch positions himself as a grassroots, outsider America First alternative to Graham
Contradiction: Lynch founded and leads the United Patriots Alliance, which has ties to the John Birch Society, an anti-communist organization that some consider fringe, undermining his mainstream appeal.
Source: Post and Courier reporting on Lynch's organization and its John Birch Society connections
Claim: Lynch claims Trump is not supporting Graham (implying Trump endorsement is available)
Contradiction: Trump endorsed Graham in March 2026 before Lynch even officially kicked off his campaign, directly contradicting Lynch's campaign premise
Source: ABC News and other sources covering Trump's March 2026 Graham endorsement
Claim: Dans positions himself as a true South Carolinian running against an out-of-touch incumbent
Contradiction: Dans spent most of his life in Maryland and Virginia, only moving to Charleston, South Carolina in recent years. He is viewed by some as a 'carpetbagger' opportunistically moving to South Carolina to influence the election.
Source: Post and Courier articles detailing Dans' Maryland/Virginia background and 2024 voter registration in Charleston
Claim: Dans says he didn't coordinate with Trump before launching his bid
Contradiction: Trump endorsed Graham before Dans announced his campaign, and Dans had to explain away Trump's endorsement as potentially uninformed rather than truly reflecting Trump's preferences.
Source: NBC News interview where Dans explained Trump's Graham endorsement
Claim: Dans frames himself as the true Trump loyalist and MAGA warrior
Contradiction: Trump dumped Dans from his administration and his organization after the 2024 election, reportedly holding him responsible for Project 2025's controversial elements that became a liability for Trump.
Source: Multiple sources indicating Dans was 'unceremoniously dumped' after Project 2025 became a campaign liability
Claim: Dans emphasizes his college success and intellectual credentials
Contradiction: Despite MIT education and early success, Dans' campaign has increasingly devolved into personal attacks rather than policy arguments as his financial position weakened.
Source: Post and Courier reporting on Dans' escalating personal attacks and campaign fund depletion
Claim: Andrews emphasizes her deep roots in South Carolina and commitment to the state
Contradiction: She splits time between Charleston and Washington, D.C., commuting for her hospital job, which could raise questions about full-time commitment to representing the state
Source: 19th News article describing her commute between Charleston and D.C.
Claim: Andrews criticizes Graham for not doing enough for South Carolina
Contradiction: She had not planned to run again after losing her 2022 House race until RFK Jr. was confirmed as health secretary, suggesting her entry into the 2026 race was reactive rather than based on deep grievances about Graham's record
Source: 19th News article quoting Andrews on her decision to run
Claim: Graham as a true conservative loyal to Trump
Contradiction: Graham was a harsh Trump critic in 2016, calling him a 'jackass' and questioning his fitness for office. His complete reversal after Trump won suggests political calculation rather than principled conservatism.
Source: Multiple sources including ABC News and Newsweek documenting his 2016 positions vs. 2025-2026 Trump alliance
Claim: Graham maintains he doesn't need Trump to win
Contradiction: While Graham has strong internal polls showing 67% approval among registered GOP voters, he has heavily leveraged Trump's endorsement in his 2026 campaign advertising and messaging.
Source: Post and Courier, Graham campaign materials, ABC News reports on ad strategies
Claim: Graham as a principled hawk on military intervention
Contradiction: Graham has historically changed his positions on major foreign policy issues (Saudi Arabia, Turkey) based on Trump's shifting positions rather than consistent principle.
Source: Wikipedia, various news accounts of Graham's foreign policy evolution
Claim: Graham focuses on holding town halls and staying accessible to constituents
Contradiction: Graham stated he doesn't 'even bother to hold town halls' in South Carolina because he's focused on pleasing Trump and his donors, according to Democratic challenger Annie Andrews citing Graham's own statements.
Source: South Carolina Public Radio article quoting Andrews citing Graham's statements

What Opponents Say

Lindsey Graham campaign

Lynch is positioning himself as the outsider but has sought to use his John Birch Society-affiliated organization for political gain

Graham's campaign has implicitly targeted Lynch's more fringe conservative connections

Lindsey Graham campaign

Dans is 'unceremoniously dumped' Trump operative trying to 'torpedo' Trump by running a divisive primary, and any campaign he starts will 'end prematurely'

Graham's campaign manager Chris LaCivita issued sharp criticism of Dans as a Trump insider who fell out of favor

Trump himself (indirectly)

Trump endorsed Graham over Dans, providing 'gold-plated endorsement' to the incumbent despite Dans' claims to be the true MAGA candidate

Trump's March 2026 endorsement of Graham was a major blow to Dans' campaign strategy

Lindsey Graham campaign

Andrews pushes a 'radical liberal agenda that is out of touch with South Carolina' and wants to cut taxes, secure borders, protect life, defend the Second Amendment, and confirm conservative judges

Graham's campaign has framed Andrews as extreme and ideologically misaligned with South Carolina's conservative voters

Annie Andrews (Democratic challenger)

Graham is 'corrupt as ever' and has betrayed South Carolina voters by changing positions on nearly every issue to serve Trump and corporate donors

Andrews, a pediatrician, has built her campaign on accusing Graham of lacking principle and representing special interests rather than constituents

Paul Dans (Republican challenger)

Graham is a 'swamp creature' who has wasted government resources and failed to support Trump adequately on key issues like avoiding wars

Dans, architect of Project 2025, is positioning himself as the 'true MAGA' alternative to Graham from the right

Mark Lynch (Republican challenger)

Graham is a 'RINO' (Republican in Name Only), a 'traitorous, back-stabbing flimsy flip flopper,' and a 'war monger and globalist' who doesn't truly support Trump

Lynch, a Greenville businessman, has attacked Graham over his past criticisms of Trump and his interventionist foreign policy

Endorsements

United Patriots Allianceorganization
College Republicans of Americaorganization
314 Actionorganization
Democratic Party of South Carolinaorganization
Donald J. Trumpindividual
Henry McMasterindividual
Tim Scottindividual
Ben Carsonindividual
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life Americaorganization
Citizens for Lifeorganization
National Right to Lifeorganization
Tea Party Expressorganization
View Mark Lynch's Full Profile →View Paul Dans's Full Profile →View Annie Andrews's Full Profile →View Lindsey Graham's Full Profile →