South Carolina Republicans hold primaries for governor and Senate seats

South Carolina voters head to the polls Tuesday to select Republican nominees for governor and U.S. Senate. The contests are the latest step in the party's effort to maintain its long record of statewide victories.

Gubernatorial primary The governor's race features Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who received an endorsement from the current president before the campaign began. Outgoing Governor Henry McMaster, a longtime ally of the president, also backed Evette.

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, who previously criticized the president's actions on January 6, 2021, sought and received the president's support for her 2024 congressional re-election. Representative Ralph Norman, a Freedom Caucus member, instead backed former Governor Nikki Haley during the 2024 presidential campaign.

Businessman Rom Reddy has self-funded his bid and highlighted his lack of political experience. The winner of Tuesday's primary will face a runoff on June 23 if no candidate receives a majority.

Senate primary Senator Lindsey Graham is seeking the Republican nomination for a fifth term. Graham, described as a close ally and golfing partner of the current president, has faced primary challenges in past cycles. Greenville businessman Mark Lynch is among the remaining challengers.

State Representative Jermaine Johnson is among the candidates for governor, along with political newcomer Billy Webster and attorney Mullins McLeod. In the Senate race, physician Annie Andrews and funeral home owner Brandon Brown are seeking the nomination.

The party has not won the governor's office or a Senate seat in decades. In 2022 the Republican nominee for governor won by nearly 18 percentage points; in 2020 the Republican Senate nominee won by 10 points.