Former South Carolina Lt Gov André Bauer launches Senate campaign to challenge Lindsey Graham

Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. André Bauer on Wednesday launched a Senate campaign on Wednesday to challenge fellow Republican Lindsey Graham for his Senate seat.

"As a proven conservative fighter, I will unapologetically stand with President Trump and the America First agenda and will fight to put South Carolina first – 100% guaranteed!" Bauer posted on X in announcing his bid. 

Bauer included a video ad in the post that opens with Trump introducing him on the 2024 presidential campaign trail as "a friend of mine, somebody that could, I think, run for almost any office and win."

However, Graham who is up for reelection next year, has already received an endorsement from Trump.

Bauer's campaign website reads: "André is a proven conservative who has spent his life fighting for South Carolina’s values. As a former Lt. Governor and early Trump ally, André has been on the front lines of the America First movement since day one.

"While Lindsey Graham funds foreign wars and cuts deals with the left, André will put South Carolina first, defend our values, and stand with President Trump to secure the border, rein in government, and take on the establishment swamp."