Former SC Governor Mark Sanford Joins Senate Primary

Former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Thursday, July 23, 2026, entering a crowded and fast-moving Republican special primary to replace the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Sanford, a former congressman and longtime fiscal conservative, framed his campaign as a necessary response to the nation's escalating debt.

The special election was triggered by the unexpected death of Senator Graham earlier this month. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham, to fill the vacant seat for the remainder of the term. This week, Darline Graham announced she would seek a full six-year term, a decision she made after a meeting with former President Donald Trump, who has given her his complete endorsement.

Sanford's entry adds another high-profile name to a growing field of Republican contenders. The race already includes U.S. Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, businessman Mark Lynch-who lost to Lindsey Graham in last month's GOP primary-and attorney Duke Buckner. The candidate filing period closes on Tuesday, July 28.

In a campaign launch video, Sanford pointed to the national debt as his central...