Former South Carolina Lieutenant Governor André Bauer has announced a GOP primary challenge against incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham for the 2026 Senate race. Bauer, a Republican and businessman, has criticized Graham for not being conservative enough to represent South Carolina. Bauer's campaign includes an advertisement featuring former President Donald Trump endorsing him, stating that Bauer would run for any office and win. Bauer has a history of endorsing prominent Republican figures, including Mike Huckabee in 2008, Newt Gingrich in 2012, and Donald Trump in 2016. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has publicly supported Bauer, criticizing Graham's Senate performance. Bauer has expressed concern over Graham's support for what he describes as globalist policies and urged voters to scrutinize Graham's conservative credentials. Meanwhile, South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette has entered the race for governor, indicating a competitive political environment in the state.