Full Breakdown
Lindsey Graham Wins South Carolina Republican Senate Primary, Securing Trump Endorsement; Annie Andrews Wins Democratic Nomination
6/10/2026, 5:58:19 AM
Primary Results Confirm Graham’s Nomination
On June 9, 2026, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham won the South Carolina GOP primary for U.S. Senate with a majority, avoiding a runoff. Mark Lynch placed second. In the Democratic primary, pediatrician Annie Andrews secured the nomination over Brandon Brown and Kyle Freeman.
Context of the 2026 Contest
South Carolina has voted Republican in statewide races for decades; no Democrat has won a Senate seat since 1998. President Donald Trump’s early endorsement of Graham, reiterated on Truth Social, remains decisive. Graham, a four-term senator, aligned his foreign-policy stance, including support for the 2023 Iran strikes, with Trump’s agenda. Democrats faced the state’s double-digit Republican margins.
Vote Totals and Campaign Finances
Vote totals differ: Graham’s support is reported as 106,164 (59.3 %) or 125,267 votes (?30 % precincts). Lynch’s totals appear as 48,171 or 59,629 votes. Campaign spending for Graham ranges from $22.8 million to $29 million; Andrews raised over $8 million. The Republican field had eight candidates; the Democratic field three.
Implications for State and National Politics
Graham’s win retains a senior Republican Senate seat, affecting the chamber’s partisan balance. The result highlights Trump’s sway in South Carolina primaries and may shape future GOP contests. Andrews’ nomination offers Democrats a rare chance to contest a secure Republican seat, though historical margins suggest an uphill battle.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump posted a “complete and total endorsement” urging support for Graham. Graham highlighted his Senate experience, ties with Trump, and ability to bring federal resources to South Carolina. Andrews called for new leadership and stressed her family focus. Gov. Henry McMaster called Graham a “living asset” for the state. Lynch criticized Graham’s Iran policy as insufficiently conservative.
Criticism & Opposition
Lynch portrayed Graham as too moderate and waffling on Iran. Trump called Lynch a “lunatic” and a “disaster for the Republican Party.” Graham responded by labeling Lynch’s views “radical” and warning they would harm the party’s brand.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Graham’s vote totals appear as 106,164, 125,267, or 58.6 % of the total; Lynch’s totals vary between 48,171 and 59,629. Graham’s campaign spending ranges from $22.8 million to $29 million. No source provides final certified results.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we need people that know what the hell they’re doing and can deliver, really.” — Lindsey Graham, WYFF News 4 interview
- “Thank you to the Republican primary voters for your confidence in me and rejecting garbage,” — Lindsey Graham, post-primary statement
- “Mr. President, when you endorsed me early on, it changed everything,” — Lindsey Graham, victory speech
- “People are ready for a new kind of leader,” — Annie Andrews, interview
What’s Next
The November general election will pit Graham against Andrews. Both candidates have months to fundraise; Graham entered the final stretch with about $4 million cash on hand, while Andrews holds roughly $5 million. The contest will test Trump’s endorsement influence and could affect Senate control in the 2028 cycle.
