South Carolina Republicans flooded the polls Tuesday in a closely watched U.S. Senate primary that has taken on national significance as Republicans seek to protect their majority in the Senate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham entered the final stretch of the race with the endorsement of President Donald Trump and support from much of the state’s Republican establishment.
Graham, 70, has emphasized his unwavering commitment to stopping the radical left’s agenda — from court-packing to Electoral College changes — and delivering results for South Carolina.
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His endorsement from President Trump and proven conservative record have solidified backing from Republican voters.
In the solidly red state, Graham remains heavily favored in November against any Democratic opponent. Party leaders say his experience and influence ensure continued strong representation for the Palmetto State.
Not long after the polls closed, Graham was declared the winner over businessman Mark Lynch in the GOP primary.
Lynch has spent recent days responding to a growing list of allegations involving his finances, criminal history, and campaign operations.
The latest controversy stems from an exclusive report by the Washington Reporter, which alleged that Lynch’s most recent Senate financial disclosures show he has not yet paid between $50,000 and $100,000 in federal taxes for the 2025 tax year.
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The report also alleged that Lynch failed to disclose bank accounts, investments, or other financial holdings that could explain roughly $5 million in personal contributions he has made to his Senate campaign.
According to the publication, an ethics complaint has been filed urging the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate both Lynch’s financial disclosures and the source of his campaign funding.
The financial questions are only the latest issue facing Lynch’s campaign.
🚨BREAKING: 🟥Lindsey Graham* is the projected winner of the Republican primary for US Senate in South Carolina.
Graham is running for reelection to a fifth term and will easily win the general election in November. pic.twitter.com/2LIcHfglcP
— Election Time (@ElectionTime_) June 9, 2026
Lynch has previously acknowledged a 1984 felony cocaine trafficking conviction, which he has described as part of a personal journey involving addiction, rehabilitation, and redemption.
He has also claimed that he later received a presidential pardon.
However, recent reports have raised questions about that claim.
According to the Washington Reporter, searches of publicly available Justice Department pardon records have failed to uncover documentation confirming that a presidential pardon was granted to Lynch.
Reports have also indicated that Lynch recently acknowledged that neither he nor his attorney has been able to locate records supporting the claim.
Additional scrutiny has focused on a 1985 South Carolina case involving allegations that Lynch left the scene of an accident involving injuries.
Lynch has denied that the incident constituted a hit-and-run.
According to State of the Day, court records show that Lynch ultimately resolved the original indictment by pleading guilty to other charges.
Lynch has also faced criticism for his past comments supporting the legalization of cocaine, which he later argued were taken out of context.
Critics have additionally raised questions about staffing decisions made during his campaign, arguing they reflected poor judgment.
Graham and his allies have worked to make Lynch’s background a central issue in the race.
The senator recently released an advertisement highlighting Lynch’s difficulty answering basic constitutional questions during a recorded interview.
Trump has also weighed in strongly on the contest.
The president endorsed Graham and sharply criticized Lynch, calling him a “LUNATIC” and warning that he would be a “DISASTER for the Republican Party.”
Over the weekend, however, Lynch received a high-profile endorsement from former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
“I am done watching Lindsey Graham sell out America,” Greene wrote on X.
Abby Zilch, a spokesperson for Graham’s campaign, framed the race as a battle between Republicans aligned with Trump and factions she described as opposing the president’s agenda.
“Senator Graham believes that South Carolina is Trump country, not MTG/Massie country,” Zilch said.
She added that Graham is proud to have the support of Trump, Sen. Tim Scott, and what she described as legions of pro-Trump Republicans throughout the state.
Polls indicate Graham maintains a sizable advantage heading into Election Day.
However, under South Carolina election rules, Graham must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff election.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
