Conservative Challenger Drops Out of Graham's Senate Race

Paul Dans, architect of Trump-era policy blueprint, endorses another Republican in the contest.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, fractured painting in red, white, and blue hues depicting an abstract U.S. Senate podium, conveying the competitive and rapidly evolving nature of the South Carolina Senate race.The fast-paced, high-stakes battle for the Republican nomination in South Carolina's U.S. Senate race continues, even after the exit of one prominent conservative challenger.Charleston Today

Paul Dans, a key architect behind the conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025, has dropped out of the race to challenge U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina. Dans, who previously worked in the Trump administration, announced his withdrawal on Friday and endorsed another Republican candidate, Mark Lynch.

Why it matters

Dans' exit from the race removes a high-profile conservative challenger to the long-serving Senator Graham, who has maintained a close relationship with former President Trump. The move could solidify Graham's position as the Republican frontrunner in the race.

The details

Dans, who filed to run for the Senate seat just two weeks ago, had raised over $275,000 for his campaign by the end of 2025 and picked up an endorsement from conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. However, former President Trump, who has reiterated his support for Graham, called Carlson's endorsement the 'kiss of death' for Dans' campaign.

  • Dans filed to run for the Senate seat two weeks ago.
  • Dans announced his withdrawal from the race on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Paul Dans

A key architect behind the conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025, who previously worked in the Trump administration.

Lindsey Graham

The long-serving U.S. Senator from South Carolina, who has maintained a close relationship with former President Trump.

Mark Lynch

Another Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina, who was endorsed by Dans after he dropped out of the race.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has reiterated his support for Lindsey Graham in the Senate race.

Tucker Carlson

A conservative commentator who endorsed Paul Dans in his Senate campaign.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Paul Dans has just dropped out of the South Carolina Senatorial Race against the Great Lindsey Graham.”

— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States

What’s next

The primaries for the Republican and Democratic parties' nominations are scheduled for June 9, 2026.

The takeaway

Dans' withdrawal from the Senate race removes a high-profile conservative challenger to the incumbent Lindsey Graham, potentially solidifying Graham's position as the Republican frontrunner in the contest.