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. Advertisement His endorsement from President Trump and proven conservative record have solidified backing from Republican voters.
Incumbent Sen
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.
Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.
Not long after the polls closed, Graham was declared the winner over businessman Mark Lynch in the GOP primary
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.
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.
However, recent reports have raised questions about that claim.
The financial questions are only the latest issue facing Lynch’s campaign
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.
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.
He has also claimed that he later received a presidential pardon
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.
The senator recently released an advertisement highlighting Lynch’s difficulty answering basic constitutional questions during a recorded interview.
Reports have also indicated that Lynch recently acknowledged that neither he nor his attorney has been able to locate records supporting the claim
Trump has also weighed in strongly on the contest.
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.
According to State of the Day, court records show that Lynch ultimately resolved the original indictment by pleading guilty to other charges
“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.
However, under South Carolina election rules, Graham must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff election.
