Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. André Bauer suspends Senate primary challenge against Graham

Former South Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. André Bauer on Friday suspended his primary challenge to incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham, stating that he does not want to add to the division currently facing the country. 

Bauer, who served as the state's second-in-command from 2003-2011, faced an uphill battle in unseating the popular senator, who is an ally of President Donald Trump. Graham has already been endorsed by Trump, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and fellow South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

The former lieutenant governor said that he did not reach the decision to suspend his campaign lightly and had intended to serve his state as a "leader grounded in truth, integrity, and faith." 

"I believe now, more than ever, that in order for us to truly move forward, we must stop tearing one another down with lies and division," he wrote on X. "I cannot and will not be part of a political climate that rewards deception over honesty, or ambition over unity. 

"God calls us to walk in truth, to speak life, and to be peacemakers—not power seekers," he continued. "If we are going to win—truly win—it won’t be through slander or selfish gain. It will be through unity, humility, and a shared desire to honor God and serve one another. I pray the remaining candidates can do just that."

Graham still faces a primary challenge from the Heritage Foundation's Paul Dans, who co-authored the think-tank's Project 2025. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.