July 29, 2025

Paul Dans Challenges Lindsey Graham in South Carolina Primary

News Summary

Paul Dans, a former Trump administration official and Project 2025 architect, announces his candidacy against incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina’s upcoming Republican primary. Dans aims to rally support from conservative voters disillusioned with Graham’s long tenure and seeks to present a fresh, MAGA-oriented vision for the Senate. With key endorsements on Graham’s side and other Republican candidates in the race, Dans’ campaign highlights a turning point for the state’s political landscape.

South Carolina is set to witness a significant political challenge as Paul Dans, a key architect behind the influential Project 2025, announces his candidacy against incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham in the upcoming Republican primary. Dans is scheduled to formally declare his campaign at an event in Charleston this Wednesday, marking the beginning of what promises to be a competitive race for the seat.

Dans, who previously served in the Trump administration as a White House liaison to the Office of Personnel Management, is pointing towards what he sees as a critical mandate for a change in leadership. He argues that there remains “more work to do” in the Senate, particularly in implementing federal workforce reductions and cuts to various federal programs that align with the objectives of Project 2025. Through his campaign, Dans seeks to mobilize support from disenchanted conservative voters and Trump loyalists within the state.

The primary election is set for November 2026 and will play a crucial role in shaping the future control of Congress. Despite Dans’ ambitions, he faces stiff competition from Graham, who has already secured endorsements from prominent figures such as former President Donald Trump and influential state Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott and Governor Henry McMaster.

Dans critiques Graham’s long tenure in Washington, suggesting it has led to a disconnect between the senator and conservative voters. He labels Graham as a “warmonger” and believes he has lost the trust of the conservative base, particularly those aligned with Trump’s agenda. Dans aims to garner support from conservative grassroots movements, emphasizing a need for a new generation of MAGA conservatives in the Senate.

Continuing to build on his platform, he intends to leverage his experience in the Trump administration and as a leader of Project 2025, which is a comprehensive policy proposal detailing efforts to reduce the federal government and its workforce. This ambitious project, comprising nearly 1,000 pages, was compiled during his time based in Charleston and serves as the backbone of Dans’ political vision.

Amidst the anticipation of the upcoming primary, Dans is not alone in the race. He faces other Republican candidates, including former Lieutenant Governor André Bauer, which could further complicate his quest for the nomination. Nonetheless, Dans remains optimistic about his chances and believes that Trump’s endorsement may even be revisited, given their shared policy goals.

The stakes are high for the primary election, as it is viewed as a crucial moment for the MAGA movement to either continue its trajectory or revert to traditional political norms referred to by Dans as the “swamp” of Washington politics. His campaign strategy is focused on engaging the conservative base, appealing to citizens who are looking for change and more radical measures to reshape the federal government.

The Graham campaign has dismissed Dans’ candidacy, with senior adviser Chris LaCivita expressing skepticism about Dans’ likelihood of success. Despite the challenges, Dans is determined to present himself as a political outsider, ready to challenge the status quo and invigorate the Republican base in South Carolina.

With the primary landscape becoming increasingly competitive, the dynamics between established politicians and ambitious challengers like Dans will be pivotal in shaping the future of South Carolina’s representation in the Senate.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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