Graham Aims for Fifth Term as SC GOP Seeks Continued Success
WHO:
AP - Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette received Trump's endorsement in the governor's race.
AP - Rep. Ralph Norman stumped for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley instead of Trump in the 2024 campaign.
AP - Rom Reddy is a coastal businessman who has self-funded his campaign and draws comparisons between himself and Trump.
ABC News - South Carolina voters, Sen. Lindsey Graham, President Trump, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, Rep. Ralph Norman, Rom Reddy, Mark Lynch, Annie Andrews, Brandon Brown, Henry McMaster.
WHAT:
AP - Graham notched Trump's endorsement before his campaign began.
AP - Graham's primary opponent, Mark Lynch, has campaigned as an "America First" candidate and criticized Graham for not being conservative enough.
Alternet - Lynch stated, “People are tired of him getting [the United States] into endless, needless wars,” referring to Graham's stance on the Iran conflict.
Yahoo - South Carolina voters are narrowing down candidates in key races for governor and U.S. Senate.
Yahoo - Republicans are seeking to maintain a statewide winning streak that stretches back decades.
Yahoo - Graham is competing for the Republican nomination as he seeks a fifth term in the Senate.
Alternet - A poll conducted late last month by The Citadel showed Graham falling short of the 50 percent needed in the primary vote to avoid a runoff.
Alternet - Graham's approval ratings dropped from 38 percent in November 2025 to 34 percent after the Iran war.
Alternet - Graham's primary opponent, Mark Lynch, withdrew $5 million from his and his wife's retirement fund to run for the Senate.
Alternet - Graham's team accused Lynch of cocaine trafficking 42 years ago.
WHERE:
Yahoo - South Carolina, specifically mentioning Greenville, S.C.
WHEN:
AP - The primary for the governor's race will determine if Evette can win outright or if there will be a runoff on June 23.
Yahoo - The primary for the governor's race will determine if Evette can win outright or if there will be a runoff on June 23.
Alternet - The primary vote is scheduled for June 9.
WHY:
AP - Democrats are searching for their first victory in a statewide race in South Carolina in 20 years, facing an uphill climb.
Yahoo - Republicans are competing for Trump's support, which has become a significant aspect of the primary campaign.
Alternet - Voters' displeasure with the war in Iran may lead to a runoff for Graham.
HOW:
AP - Graham's team accused Lynch of cocaine trafficking 42 years ago, while Lynch has stated he is now sober.
Yahoo - Evette frequently featured photos and videos of herself with Trump in campaign materials.
Yahoo - Graham has routinely batted back primary challengers over the years.
(UPDATED June 10, 2026 01:43 UTC)
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has received Trump’s endorsement in her bid for the governor's race, while Rep. Ralph Norman is backing Nikki Haley instead of Trump in the 2024 campaign. The primary for the governor's race will take place on June 23, determining if Evette can secure an outright win or if a runoff will be necessary, as her opponent Mark Lynch campaigns as an "America First" candidate and criticizes her for not being conservative enough. In a heated exchange, Graham's team has accused Lynch of cocaine trafficking from 42 years ago, a claim Lynch has addressed by stating he is now sober.
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(UPDATED June 9, 2026 13:51 UTC)
In South Carolina, voters are narrowing down candidates for key races, including the governor's race and the U.S. Senate, as Republicans aim to maintain a long-standing winning streak. Senator Lindsey Graham is competing for the Republican nomination for a fifth term, but a recent poll indicates he may fall short of the 50 percent needed to avoid a runoff, especially amid declining approval ratings and challenges from opponents like Mark Lynch. The primary vote is set for June 9, and the outcome will be crucial for candidates like Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who is hoping to secure an outright victory or face a runoff on June 23.