Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford Enters Race for Graham's Senate 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 briefly ran for his old House seat earlier this year before dropping out to focus on national debt issues, announced his candidacy on July 23, 2026. He joins a growing field of GOP candidates including Darline Graham (Graham's sister, appointed to fill the seat and endorsed by President Trump), House members Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch, and attorney Duke Buckner. Sanford's campaign emphasizes fiscal conservatism and addressing government spending and inflation, positioning him apart from Trump-aligned MAGA candidates. The filing period ends July 28, with a primary on August 11 and a potential runoff on August 25. The Republican nominee will face Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews in the November general election.
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