Sen. Lindsey Graham won the South Carolina Republican primary on June 9, 2026, NBC News projected, defeating a self-funding businessman who spent millions of his own money on the race.
Graham, a senior senator and close ally of former President Donald Trump, faced multiple challengers but the most serious threat came from a wealthy entrepreneur who poured personal funds into advertising and campaign events. The senator countered with his own significant spending, drawing on a well-funded war chest built over years in office.
The primary was closely watched as a test of Graham's standing within the party, given his shifting positions on key issues over the years. However, he ultimately secured the nomination with a comfortable margin, according to projections.
Graham will now face a Democratic opponent in the November general election. South Carolina has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1998.
