Paul Dans withdraws from primary challenge to Lindsey Graham in SC

Paul Dans, a chief architect of Project 2025, has withdrawn his Republican primary challenge to Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina. Dans made the announcement on Friday, the last day to remove his name from ballots ahead of the state's primary on June 9. He stated, "I am endorsing another Republican in the contest, appliance business owner Mark Lynch."

Former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Graham early on, reacted to Dans' withdrawal with a social media post, suggesting that Tucker Carlson's endorsement of Dans had been the "KISS OF DEATH" for his campaign. Trump has previously expressed concerns about Lynch, stating he would be a "DISASTER for the Republican Party" if elected. Dans, who has been influential in conservative circles through Project 2025, expressed satisfaction with some of Trump's policies but emphasized that there is "more work to do" in the Senate.

Graham's campaign reported having over $11.6 million cash on hand, raising nearly $1.4 million in the first quarter of this year. He has secured support from prominent state Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott and Governor Henry McMaster, who are chairing his 2026 campaign. Dans' exit leaves Graham facing a half-dozen other Republican candidates, but his strong financial backing and established political connections position him favorably in the race.

Power Read: Dans' withdrawal consolidates Graham's position as the frontrunner in the primary, reinforcing Trump's influence in South Carolina politics. With Graham's substantial financial resources and endorsements from key state figures, the dynamics favor incumbency, while Dans' exit may signal a lack of viable alternatives within the party. This development highlights the ongoing alignment of Republican candidates with Trump's agenda, as Dans' endorsement of Lynch reflects a strategic pivot rather than a challenge to the status quo.

What to watch: The upcoming primary on June 9 will reveal the strength of Graham's incumbency and Trump's influence over South Carolina Republicans.