Incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham won South Carolina’s Republican Senate primary Tuesday, defeating businessman Mark Lynch amid scrutiny over Lynch’s finances and criminal history.
Graham, 70, entered the final stretch with endorsements from President Donald Trump and state Republican leaders. The primary carried national significance as Republicans work to maintain their Senate majority ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The Race
Graham had emphasized his record on conservative issues, from opposing court-packing to defending the Electoral College. “Senator Graham believes that South Carolina is Trump country,” said Abby Zilch, a spokesperson for Graham’s campaign.
Lynch, Graham’s primary challenger, faced multiple controversies during the race. The Washington Reporter alleged that Lynch’s 2025 financial disclosures showed unpaid federal taxes between $50,000 and $100,000 and failed to account for roughly $5 million in personal campaign contributions.
An ethics complaint has been filed with the Senate Ethics Committee requesting an investigation into Lynch’s financial records and campaign funding sources, according to the publication.
Lynch’s Background Issues
Lynch previously acknowledged a 1984 felony cocaine trafficking conviction, describing it as part of his journey through addiction and recovery. He claimed to have received a presidential pardon, but Justice Department pardon records have not confirmed such a pardon was granted.
A 1985 South Carolina case involved allegations that Lynch left the scene of an accident with injuries. Lynch denied the hit-and-run characterization, though court records show he pleaded guilty to other charges in the original indictment.
Lynch also faced criticism for past comments supporting cocaine legalization, which he later argued were taken out of context.
The Reaction
Trump endorsed Graham and criticized Lynch sharply, calling him a “LUNATIC” and “DISASTER for the Republican Party.” Over the weekend, former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene endorsed Lynch, writing on X: “I am done watching Lindsey Graham sell out America.”
Graham released an advertisement showing Lynch struggling to answer basic constitutional questions during a recorded interview.
What’s Next
In the solidly Republican state, Graham is heavily favored in November against any Democratic opponent. Under South Carolina rules, Graham needed more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff election.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Political Team contributed to this report.
