Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford enters race for Graham's seat
Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Representative Mark Sanford has entered the Republican special election primary for the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat. Sanford, who previously ran for his old House seat before dropping out to focus on national debt issues, launched his campaign citing rising government spending and inflation as key motivators. He joins a crowded GOP field that includes Darline Graham (Graham's sister and current appointee, endorsed by President Trump), House members Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and attorney Duke Buckner. The filing period closes on July 28, the same day as Graham's funeral. The primary is set for August 11, with a potential runoff on August 25. The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November. Sanford positions himself as a fiscal conservative distinct from the MAGA-aligned candidates in the race.
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