S. Carolina Republicans Aim to Extend Dominance in 2024 Races
S Carolina Republicans try to extend – COLUMBIA, S.C. — The state of South Carolina will hold its primary elections on Tuesday, with voters casting ballots in critical races for governor and U.S. Senate. This contest is shaping up as a pivotal moment for the Republican Party, which has maintained a stronghold on statewide offices for decades. Key figures like Sen. Lindsey Graham and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette are vying for their respective nominations, with the goal of securing another victory in the general election. The stakes are high, as both races are seen as testing the party’s ability to retain its influence amid shifting political tides.
Evette and Mace: A Battle for Trump’s Endorsement
For the governor’s race, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has emerged as a leading Republican candidate, backed by President Donald Trump. His endorsement, secured before her campaign officially launched, signals strong support for her bid. Evette faces a formidable field, including U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, who had previously earned Trump’s favor in her 2024 congressional reelection campaign. Despite Mace’s past alignment with Trump, she criticized his actions on January 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. However, Trump’s continued popularity in South Carolina has made his backing a decisive factor in the race.
“Lunatic” and “disaster for the Republican Party” are just two of the labels President Trump has used to describe his rival in the governor’s race, Lt. Gov. Mark Lynch. Lynch, who ran as an “America First” candidate, has positioned himself as a staunch Trump supporter but faces skepticism from the party’s establishment.
The primary results will determine whether Evette secures the nomination outright or if a runoff is required on June 23. Evette’s campaign has been aggressive in showcasing her association with Trump, featuring frequent images and videos of the two together. Her alignment with outgoing Gov. Henry McMaster, a longtime Trump ally, has further solidified her candidacy. However, the competition among Republicans for Trump’s favor has been fierce, with candidates like Ralph Norman, a conservative House member and Freedom Caucus member, switching support in 2024 to former Gov. Nikki Haley instead of Trump.
Graham’s Quest for a Fifth Term
In the Senate race, Sen. Lindsey Graham seeks a fifth term, drawing on his deep ties to Trump and his reputation as a top strategist in the administration. Graham, a consistent winner in South Carolina politics, has weathered multiple primary challenges over the years, often outmaneuvering opponents with his political acumen and relationship with the president. His support for Trump’s aggressive foreign policy, particularly the nuclear strikes on Iran, has remained a cornerstone of his campaign.
“Direct confrontation between Washington and Tehran” is a phrase Sen. Lindsey Graham has long advocated, aligning with Trump’s approach to Iran. This shared vision has kept their bond strong despite years of fluctuating political alliances.
Graham’s closest primary rival is Mark Lynch, a Greenville businessman who argues the senator is not conservative enough to represent the state. Lynch’s campaign has focused on contrasting his moderate stance with Graham’s hardline policies, but Trump’s endorsement continues to bolster Graham’s position. Other contenders, such as Project 2025 chief architect Paul Dans and former Lt. Gov. André Bauer, have already withdrawn from the race, leaving fewer challenges for Graham.
Democratic Hopes and Challenges
Democrats, who have not won a statewide race in South Carolina for nearly two decades, are hopeful this year could mark a breakthrough. However, their path to victory is fraught with obstacles. In the governor’s race, State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, a rising star within the party, is competing against political newcomers like Billy Webster, a payday loan company founder who contributed $2 million to his campaign, and attorney Mullins McLeod, who has defied calls to end his bid after a controversial 2025 disorderly conduct arrest was captured on video.
For the Senate race, Charleston physician Annie Andrews is challenging the establishment, vying for the Democratic nomination against Brandon Brown, a funeral home owner and former House candidate. Andrews’ campaign highlights her focus on healthcare and economic issues, while Brown leans on his grassroots appeal and local connections. Both candidates are attempting to rally support in a state where Republicans have traditionally dominated, making their path to victory even more difficult.
Legacy of Republican Success
South Carolina’s Republican dominance in recent elections is a testament to the party’s ability to mobilize voters and maintain a cohesive message. Gov. Henry McMaster’s 2022 victory over his opponent by nearly 18 percentage points underscores this trend, while Sen. Lindsey Graham’s 2020 win by 10 points—after a record-breaking race that cost over $100 million—further cements the party’s stronghold. The current campaign is seen as an extension of this legacy, with Trump’s continued relevance in the state providing a significant boost to Republican candidates.
Yet, the party’s unity is not guaranteed. While many Republicans have aligned with Trump’s agenda, some have voiced concerns about his leadership style. Ralph Norman, for instance, shifted his support from Trump to Nikki Haley in 2024, reflecting a broader divide among party members. However, the overall strategy remains clear: to leverage Trump’s name recognition and the state’s conservative leanings to secure another win.
A State in Flux
The 2024 elections in South Carolina are not just about maintaining the status quo—they are also about navigating the state’s evolving political landscape. While Republicans have historical advantages, the rise of independent candidates and the potential for voter dissatisfaction with Trump could disrupt the usual pattern. For example, Rom Reddy, a coastal businessman who self-funded his campaign, has positioned himself as a outsider, emphasizing his lack of political experience as a strength. His comparison to Trump has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a bold move and others as a strategic gamble.
Despite these challenges, the Republican Party’s efforts to consolidate power remain well-funded and organized. Trump’s influence, both as a candidate and a campaign figure, continues to shape the race. His endorsement of Evette and Graham has provided a crucial edge, though it has also sparked internal debates. For Democrats, the task is to capitalize on this division, but they will need to overcome a deep-rooted Republican presence in the state.
As Tuesday’s primary approaches, the focus remains on whether the Republicans can sustain their momentum or if the Democrats will finally break through. The outcome of these races will not only determine the next leaders of South Carolina but also send a message about the state’s role in the broader national political landscape.
Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP
