Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford announced on Thursday that he would join the crowded GOP special primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on November’s ballot.
“Our country is at a financial tipping point, and I can’t sit on the sidelines while Washington adds a trillion dollars to the debt every 100 days,” Sanford said.
“I’ve spent my entire time in politics fighting this fight, and I’m running for U.S. Senate to keep the American dream alive for our sons, my grandson, and those you love,” he added.
Watch below:
Our country is at a financial tipping point, and I can't sit on the sidelines while Washington adds a trillion dollars to the debt every 100 days. I've spent my entire time in politics fighting this fight, and I'm running for U.S. Senate to keep the American dream alive for our… pic.twitter.com/q5ByORi0M3
— Mark Sanford (@MarkSanford) July 23, 2026
POLITICO has more:
Sanford, who left Congress in 2019, is a longtime fixture in South Carolina politics, known for his fiscal conservatism. He earned national notoriety after an extramarital affair during his time as governor and his criticism of President Donald Trump, including a short-lived 2020 primary challenge.
He is the latest high-profile entrant in a crowded field that includes Sen. Darline Graham, the sister of the late senator; Reps. Russell Fry and Ralph Norman; and businessman Mark Lynch, among others. Trump has already endorsed Graham, who was appointed to fill her brother’s seat for the duration of his term.
ADVERTISEMENTA special primary election will be held Aug. 11 to select the Republican nominee for a full six-year term.
Sanford was first elected to Congress in 1994, in the same class as the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. He served for three terms, was elected South Carolina governor in 2002, and was reelected to the House in a special election in 2013. Sanford launched a campaign for his old seat this cycle but abandoned the bid after a month to launch a debt-focused nonprofit.
Sanford served as Governor of South Carolina from 2003 to 2011.
Thus far, the odds don’t appear very promising for the former governor.
BREAKING: Mark Sanford launches campaign for South Carolina Republican Senate special primary
3% chance he secures the nomination pic.twitter.com/JazLrbzvHF
— Kalshi Politics (@KalshiPolitics) July 23, 2026
WYFF noted:
Candidate filing opened on Tuesday, July 21, and will end on Tuesday, July 28.
The special primary will be held on Aug. 11. Early voting will be held from Aug. 5 to Aug. 7.
If no one gets 50% of the vote, a runoff would be held on Aug. 25. Early voting for the runoff would be held from Aug. 19 to Aug. 21.
Whoever wins the special primary will face Dr. Annie Andrews in the general election on Nov. 3.
What are your thoughts?
