2026 United States Senate election in South Carolina
November 3, 2026
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| Elections in South Carolina |
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The 2026 United States Senate election in South Carolina will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of South Carolina. Primary elections will be held on June 9, 2026, with a runoff election on June 23 if no candidate wins a majority in their respective primary. Incumbent four-term Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who was re-elected in 2020, is running for a fifth term in office.[1]
Background
South Carolina is generally considered to be a Republican stronghold, having not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1998. Republican nominee Donald Trump won South Carolina in 2020 by 12 percentage points, and in 2024 grew his margin to 18 percentage points. Republicans control every statewide office (except the state's comptroller office), supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature, both U.S. Senate seats, and all but one seat in South Carolina's U.S. House congressional delegation.[2][3]
Senator Lindsey Graham was first elected in 2002, defeating Democrat Alex Sanders by about 10 percentage points. He was re-elected in 2008, 2014, and most recently in 2020 defeating Jamie Harrison by 10 percentage points in what was expected to be a dead heat.[4] In January 2025, he declared that he was running for reelection.[5]
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Paul Dans, former chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management (2020) and author of Project 2025[6]
- Lindsey Graham, incumbent U.S. Senator (2003–present)[7]
- Mark Lynch, appliance repair executive[8]
- Thomas Murphy, retired Navy hospital corpsman[9]
Filed paperwork
- Ethan Holliman, graduate student[10]
Withdrawn
- André Bauer, former Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina (2003–2011), candidate for governor in 2010, and candidate for South Carolina's 7th congressional district in 2012[11]
Declined
- Ralph Norman, U.S. Representative from South Carolina's 5th congressional district (2017–present) (running for governor)[12]
Endorsements
Lindsey Graham
U.S. executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, 45th & 47th president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[13]
U.S. senators
Statewide officials
- Henry McMaster, governor of South Carolina (2017–present)[14]
- Organizations
Paul Dans
Media Figures
- Tucker Carlson, conservative political commentator and former host of Tucker Carlson Tonight
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Lindsey Graham (R) | $18,764,410 | $16,746,935 | $14,508,933 |
| Ethan Holliman (R) | $20,270 | $20,270 | $0 |
| Mark Lynch (R) | $5,424,041 | $666,162 | $4,757,879 |
| Paul Dans (R) | $300,609 | $203,943 | $96,666 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[17] | |||
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Paul Dans |
Lindsey Graham |
Mark Lynch |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantus Insights (R)[18][A] | October 1–4, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 4.2% | 7%[b] | 58% | 15% | – | 20% |
| 6% | 51% | 11% | – | 32% | ||||
| Big Data Poll (R)[19][B] | September 26–29, 2025 | 827 (RV) | ± 3.5% | 22% | 46% | 4% | – | 28% |
| Quantus Insights (R)[20][21][A] | June 10–13, 2025 | 600 (RV) | ± 3.8% | – | 48% | 23% | – | 29% |
| Big Data Poll (R)[19][B] | June 8–11, 2025 | – (V) | ± 3.5% | 9% | 50% | 11% | – | 30% |
| Pulse Opinion Research (R)[22][C] | May 15–21, 2025 | 1,062 (LV) | – | – | 43% | 29% | 5% | 23% |
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Annie Andrews, pediatrician and nominee for South Carolina's 1st congressional district in 2022[23]
- Brandon Brown, former senior vice president of institutional advancement at Paine College and nominee for South Carolina's 4th congressional district in 2004 and 2018[24]
- Catherine Fleming Bruce, author and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[25]
- Kyle Freeman, logistics professional[26]
- Christopher Giracello, realtor[27]
Publicly expressed interest
- Joe Walsh, former Republican U.S. Representative from Illinois's 8th congressional district (2011–2013) and candidate for president in 2020[28]
Withdrawn
- Lee Johnson, engineer[29]
Endorsements
Annie Andrews
- Individuals
- Jaime Harrison, former chair of the Democratic National Committee (2021–2025)[30]
- Organizations
Lee Johnson (withdrawn)
State legislators
- JA Moore, state representative from the 15th district (2018–present)[34]
- Michael Rivers, state representative from the 121st district (2016–present)[34]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of September 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Annie Andrews (D) | $2,834,102 | $1,635,382 | $1,198,719 |
| Catherine Fleming Bruce (D) | $0 | $0 | $5,030 |
| Kyle Freeman (D) | $34,491 | $33,837 | $654 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[17] | |||
Libertarian primary
Candidates
Declared
- Kasie Whitener, chair of the South Carolina Libertarian Party State Committee[27]
Filed paperwork
- Jason Brenkus[35]
Independents
Candidates
Filed paperwork
- Jack Ellison[36] (also filed to run as a Republican candidate for South Carolina's 1st congressional district)[37]
- Reece Wright-McDonald, perennial candidate[38]
Publicly expressed interest
- Robin Tallon, former Democratic U.S. representative from South Carolina's 6th congressional district (1983–1993)[39]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[40] | Solid R | August 12, 2025 |
| The Cook Political Report[41] | Solid R | October 14, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[42] | Safe R | August 12, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[43] | Likely R | September 4, 2025 |
Polling
Lindsey Graham vs. Annie Andrews
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Lindsey Graham (R) |
Annie Andrews (D) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling (D)[44][D] | November 21–22, 2025 | 704 (V) | ± 3.7% | 42% | 36% | 22% |
Hypothetical polling
Lindsey Graham vs. generic Democrat
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Lindsey Graham (R) |
Generic Democrat |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling (D)[44][D] | November 21–22, 2025 | 704 (V) | ± 3.7% | 41% | 39% | 20% |
Notes
Partisan clients
References
- ^ Connaughton, Kevin (January 14, 2025). "Lindsey Graham announces campaign team, funding for 2026 re-election bid". foxcarolina.com. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ Kenmore, Abraham; Adcox, Seanna (November 6, 2024). "Trump wins SC for 3rd time, on his way to stunning White House victory". SC Daily Gazette. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ Holdman, Jessica; Kenmore, Abraham (November 6, 2024). "SC Republicans celebrate red wave that gives GOP biggest advantage in 150 years". SC Daily Gazette. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ Lobosco, Katie (November 4, 2020). "Lindsey Graham defeats Jaime Harrison in South Carolina". CNN. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ Connaughton, Kevin (January 14, 2025). "Lindsey Graham announces campaign team, funding for 2026 re-election bid". WIS-TV. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
- ^ Mascaro, Lisa; Kinnard, Meg (July 28, 2025). "Project 2025 author Paul Dans will challenge Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham in South Carolina". Associated Press.
- ^ Atkinson, Mason (January 13, 2025). "Lindsey Graham announces campaign team, funding for 2026 re-election bid". The Post and Courier. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ Maultsby, Baker (February 5, 2025). "Greenville businessman to take on Graham for Senate seat in 2026 Republican primary". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ Hyslip, Tom (February 23, 2025). "Thomas Murphy Announces Primary Challenge Against Senator Lindsey Graham in 2026 Race". WRHI. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
- ^ Bustos, Joseph (May 14, 2025). "This Upstate Democrat is looking to oust Trump-backed Sen. Lindsey Graham". The State. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
Ethan Holliman, of Conway, also has filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission to run as a Republican for the seat and has loaned his campaign $20,000.
- ^ Valeski, Lucy (August 8, 2025). "Former Lt. Gov. André Bauer drops out of SC Senate race to slim field". The State.
- ^ Atkinson, Macon (July 25, 2025). "Rock Hill Republican and MAGA congressman Ralph Norman is running for SC governor". The Post and Courier. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ Kayanja, Ian (March 26, 2025). "President Trump endorses Lindsey Graham as senator eyes 2026 reelection bid". WCIV. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
- ^ a b Kinnard, Meg (February 4, 2025). "Sen. Tim Scott and South Carolina's governor will chair Lindsey Graham's reelection bid". Associated Press. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
- ^ "- AIPAC Political Portal". candidates.aipacpac.org. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ^ a b Robelot, Jane (March 31, 2025). "Sen. Lindsey Graham gets endorsements from three national, state anti-abortion groups". WYFF4. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
- ^ a b "2026 Election United States Senate - South Carolina". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ Corley, Jason (October 7, 2025). "South Carolina Republican Primary Survey". Quantus Insights. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
- ^ a b Baris, Rich (September 30, 2025). "A Challenger Emerges in the Republican Primary for U.S. Senate in South Carolina" (PDF). Big Data Poll. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
- ^ "Lindsey Graham Faces a Shifting GOP Landscape in South Carolina". Quantus Insights. June 17, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ Corley, Jason (June 17, 2025). "Quantus Insights – South Carolina". Quantus Insights. Retrieved June 18, 2025 – via Google Drive.
- ^ @PollTracker2024 (May 27, 2025). "Pulse Opinion Research poll South Carolina Republican Senate primary 2026 (Mark Lynch internal) Lindsay Graham 43% Mark Lynch 29% Undecided 23% 5/15-5/21 LV" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Bustos, Joseph (May 29, 2025). "This SC pediatrician ran for Congress in 2022. Now she wants to oust Sen. Graham". The State. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ Quinn, Abigail (July 9, 2025). "Brandon Brown to challenge Lindsey Graham for South Carolina Senate seat". WCIV. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ^ Young, Natasha (September 16, 2025). "Who's Running for South Carolina's Top Offices in the 2026 Elections". WSAV-TV. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ Carpentier, Bella (May 15, 2025). "Greenville engineer joins 2026 race for Lindsey Graham's U.S. Senate seat". Greenville News. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Maxwell, Tiana (July 22, 2025). "Lincolnville community hears from Graham seat race candidates in senatorial forum". WCSC-TV. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ Wren, Adam (June 11, 2025). "Former Rep. Joe Walsh is considering a bid against GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham". Politico. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
- ^ Bustos, Joseph (July 16, 2025). "After two months, this Upstate Democrat drops out of SC US Senate race". The State. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
- ^ "Jaime Harrison Endorses Dr. Annie Andrews For U.S. Senate". The MinorityEye. June 4, 2025. Retrieved September 8, 2025.
- ^ "314 Action Fund Endorses Dr. Annie Andrews for U.S. Senate, as a Guardian of Public Health". 314action.org. June 18, 2025. Retrieved September 8, 2025.
- ^ "Candidates". Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs.
- ^ "Candidates". Vote Mama PAC. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ a b Jacquot, Bryce (May 29, 2025). "Democrat Lee Johnson gains key endorsements in U.S. Senate race against Lindsey Graham". WCIV. Retrieved September 8, 2025.
- ^ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1927273". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
- ^ "Ellison, Jack FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1875355". FEC. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
- ^ "FEC FORM 2 STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY FILING FEC-1895047".
- ^ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1850754". FEC. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
- ^ Chornobroff, Shaun (April 28, 2025). "32 years after leaving office, a former SC congressman made a million-dollar campaign transfer". SC Daily Gazette. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ^ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ a b Williams, Jim (December 8, 2025). "Lindsey Graham Deeply Unpopular Heading into Reelection Year" (PDF). Public Policy Polling. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites
- Annie Andrews (D) for Senate
- Jason Brenkus (L) for Senate
- Brandon Brown (D) for Senate
- Catherine Fleming Bruce (D) for Senate
- Paul Dans (R) for Senate
- Kyle Freeman (D) for Senate
- Christopher Giracello (D) for Senate
- Lindsey Graham (R) for Senate
- Lee Johnson (D) for Senate
- Mark Lynch (R) for Senate
- Thomas Murphy (R) for Senate
- Kasie Whitener (L) for Senate