South Carolina held primary elections on June 11, 2024, for U.S. Senate, governor, and several U.S. House seats. The results set the stage for general election contests in November.
Senate Race
Sen. Lindsey Graham won the Republican primary for his fifth term, according to NBC News projections. Graham faced challenger Mark Lynch, a businessman who loaned his campaign $5 million. Another candidate, Paul Dans, ended his campaign in April and endorsed Lynch.
Graham spent over $13 million on advertising, according to AdImpact. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Graham, calling Lynch a "lunatic." Graham's campaign highlighted Lynch's past arrests. Lynch argued Graham has been in office too long and highlighted past clashes between Graham and Trump.
Annie Andrews, a physician, won the Democratic primary. Andrews called Graham a "warmonger" and "swamp creature."
"Graham spent over $13 million on advertising, according to AdImpact."
Governor Race
The Republican gubernatorial primary featured Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Other candidates included U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and Mark Burns. The primary may result in a runoff on June 23 if no candidate receives a majority.
Democratic candidates included State Rep. Jermaine Johnson, businessman Billy Webster, and attorney Mullins McLeod.
Context
Democrats have not won a statewide election in South Carolina in 20 years. In the 2022 general election, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster won by 18 points. In 2020, Graham won re-election by 10 points against Jaime Harrison, with over $280 million in total spending. Republicans have maintained a long streak of statewide victories in the state.