Mark Sanford Enters SC Senate Race, Challenging Trump’s Pick
WHO:
NY Post - Former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has entered the Senate race.
USA Today - Sanford is challenging Trump-endorsed Darline Graham.
USA Today - Darline Graham is the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
USA Today - Other candidates include U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, attorney Duke Buckner, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, and businessman Mark Lynch.
WHAT:
USA Today - Sanford, 66, has served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's first district from 1995-2001 and again from 2013-2019, as well as two terms as South Carolina governor from 2003-2011.
USA Today - The special primary runoff for the Republican nomination is scheduled for November.
Fox News - Mark Sanford has joined a crowded GOP primary for South Carolina's special Senate seat.
USA Today - Sanford announced his candidacy via social media, stating, “I've spent my entire time in politics fighting this fight, and I'm running for U.S. Senate to keep the American dream alive for our sons, my grandson, and those you love.”
USA Today - A July 21 Peak Insights poll showed Ralph Norman leading his four opponents, while Trey Gowdy, who has not announced a bid, was the poll's frontrunner by 25 percentage points.
WHERE:
USA Today - The Senate race is taking place in South Carolina.
WHEN:
USA Today - The full Senate term for which Darline Graham is running begins in January.
Fox News - The special primary election is set for Aug. 11.
USA Today - Lindsey Graham died on July 11.
USA Today - Darline Graham was sworn into office on July 14.
USA Today - Graham announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate on July 20.
USA Today - Sanford entered the race on July 23.
WHY:
USA Today - Sanford is running to continue his political fight and to preserve the American dream for future generations.
HOW:
USA Today - Sanford announced his candidacy through a social media post.
(UPDATED July 24, 2026 07:49 UTC)
Mark Sanford, who has a long political career including two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and two terms as South Carolina's governor, is making headlines as he prepares for the upcoming special primary runoff for the Republican nomination set for November. Meanwhile, Darline Graham is gearing up for a full Senate term that will begin in January. Both candidates are positioning themselves for significant roles in South Carolina's political landscape.
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(UPDATED July 24, 2026 01:28 UTC)
Mark Sanford has officially entered the crowded GOP primary for South Carolina's special Senate seat, challenging Trump-endorsed Darline Graham, who is the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Sanford announced his candidacy through social media, expressing his commitment to preserving the American dream for future generations, while the special primary election is set for August 11. Other candidates in the race include U.S. Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, attorney Duke Buckner, and businessman Mark Lynch, with a recent poll showing Ralph Norman in the lead.