Mark Sanford, a Republican critic of President Donald Trump, announced his Senate bid on Thursday, July 23, 2026, becoming the latest high-profile GOP candidate vying for the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat in South Carolina. Sanford cited a "tipping point" in the country’s financial situation as a key reason for his run, stating, "Our country is at a financial tipping point, and I can’t sit on the sidelines while Washington adds a trillion dollars to the debt every 100 days." He urged voters to consider his record in Congress and as governor, emphasizing his commitment to "watching out for your family’s future."

Darline Graham, appointed last week to complete her late brother’s term, announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, during an interview on Fox News' "Hannity" that she is running for a full six-year Senate term. Her announcement followed a meeting with President Trump at the White House, where she received his "complete and total endorsement."

The GOP primary field also includes Henry McMaster, who declared his candidacy over the past weekend, and businessman Mark Lynch, who lost to Lindsey Graham by nearly 30 points in last month's GOP Senate primary and has announced another run for the Republican nomination.

The crowded race highlights a divided GOP field in South Carolina, with Sanford positioning himself as a fighter to "stand with President Trump and carry on Lindsey Graham’s legacy."

Additionally, an endorsement by Congresswoman Nancy Mace, reported by Fox News Digital, came after she announced she would not run for the Senate following an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid earlier this year.

The special GOP primary is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

Sources