U.S. Senate South Carolina in Statewide, South Carolina
2026 Primary Election
- Anne Lintzenich Andrews — Professor of Pediatrics in Charleston, SC
Anne Lintzenich Andrews, known as Annie, is an American pediatrician and professor at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. She is a Democratic candidate for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in South Carolina, aiming to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Lindsay Graham. Andrews previously ran for South Carolina's 1st congressional district in 2022, losing to Nancy Mace. Following that campaign, she announced the creation of a PAC called “Their Future. Our Vote.” She has received endorsements from figures like Jaime Harrison and organizations such as EMILYs List, and seeks to inspire more medical professionals to engage in politics.
- Jason E Brenkus — Candidate for U.s. Senate in SC
Jason Brenkus is a Libertarian Party candidate who sought to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate during the 2026 election cycle. Running in the Libertarian Party convention, Brenkus was ultimately defeated by Kasie Whitener on April 11, 2026. Campaign finance records indicate no contributions or expenditures for his bid, though data for expenditures was noted as unavailable or incomplete. Brenkus engaged with voters by completing Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. He is recognized by the South Carolina Libertarian Party as a candidate for the 2026 election.
- Brandon Pendarvis Brown — Funeral home owner and former higher-education administrator in Greenville, SC
Brandon Pendarvis Brown is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina. A fifth-generation South Carolinian from Greenville, he is a funeral home owner and former higher-education administrator, serving as Vice President at multiple HBCUs and advising Vice President Joe Biden. Known for his grassroots approach, Brown was the youngest Democrat to win a congressional nomination in SC and has never lost a primary. He aims to unseat Senator Lindsey Graham, advocating for a "Fair Shot Agenda" focused on protecting Medicaid, lowering healthcare costs, expanding access to care, and supporting abortion access. His campaign highlights civil rights legacy, wages, and education.
- Calvin A Cowen — Incumbent Duncan Town Council member in Duncan, SC
Calvin Cowen is a Republican candidate running for election to the U.S. Senate, representing South Carolina in the 2026 primary scheduled for June 9. He presently holds public office as a member of the Duncan Town Council, a role he is slated to serve until November 2027. While specific policy positions are not detailed, Cowen's past political contributions include donations to prominent Republican figures like Donald Trump and Nikki Haley, though he also made a contribution to a liberal candidate in 2014. His U.S. Senate campaign has not yet reported any financial contributions or expenditures.
- Thomas K Dismukes — CEO of Stories That Tell in SC
Thomas Dismukes, a Republican, is seeking election to the U.S. Senate for South Carolina in 2026. He holds degrees from Spartanburg Community College and Clemson University, with career experience as a motivational speaker and CEO of Stories That Tell since 1991, also operating a family farm. Dismukes emphasizes a lifelong commitment to service, campaigning on restoring safety and independence. He advocates for local decision-making, defending constitutional freedoms, and increasing transparency to counter perceived government overreach. His platform prioritizes supporting small businesses, workforce development, and community-driven solutions, aiming to cut waste and focus on South Carolinians' needs.
- Kyle Odonnell Freeman — Logistics professional in SC
Kyle O'Donnell Freeman, often known as Kyle Freeman, is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina for the 2026 election cycle. Described as a logistics professional and independent contractor, he is positioning himself as a "working man" and not a career politician. A self-identified Progressive Democrat, Freeman is campaigning on themes including jobs, affordable healthcare, infrastructure, support for veterans, government accountability, and fighting for fair wages, small businesses, and rural communities. He is running to bring real change and integrity to Washington, advocating for a government that prioritizes people over politics. Freeman has pledged to support a constitutional amendment for congressional term limits. He is slated to appear in various locations across South Carolina for campaign events.
- Lindsey O Graham — Incumbent U.S. Senator in SC
Lindsey Graham is the incumbent Republican Senator for South Carolina, seeking re-election in 2026. At 70 years old, he has served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and previously represented South Carolina’s 3rd congressional district in the House from 1995 to 2002. He currently chairs the Senate Committee on the Budget. His legislative priorities include strong support for law enforcement, advocating for American manufacturing and the South Carolina textile industry through initiatives like the Coast Guard Personnel Equipment Act, and promoting bills such as the Medal of Sacrifice Act. He also introduced Logan's Law. Graham is leading early polls ahead of the June 9, 2026 primary.
- Mark J Hackett — House painter in SC
Mark Hackett is a Constitution Party candidate vying for a seat in the U.S. Senate, representing South Carolina in the general election on November 3, 2026. His professional background includes working as a house painter. Hackett is campaigning alongside a field of candidates from various parties, including Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Independents, in this contested race. Specific details regarding his policy platform or the core tenets of his campaign were not available in public records.
- Patrick J Herrmann — Candidate for U.S. Senate in Myrtle Beach, SC
Patrick J Herrmann, a Republican, is campaigning for U.S. Senate in South Carolina's 2026 primary election. He previously sought the South Carolina House of Representatives District 61 in 2024, losing the primary. Herrmann's platform includes restoring Second Amendment rights, enforcing strict immigration laws, and cutting red tape for rural infrastructure. He proposes eliminating South Carolina's income tax and abolishing the IRS for a flat tax. Notably, he has pledged support for congressional term limits via an Article V convention, aiming to replace "career politicians" with "citizen legislators."
- Mark S Lynch — Businessman in Greenville, SC
Mark Lynch is a Greenville-based businessman and president of Jeff Lynch Appliance Center, currently seeking election to the U.S. Senate representing South Carolina in the 2026 Republican primary. He previously ran for the South Carolina State Senate in 2020. Lynch campaigns on a "God First, America First" platform, aligning with the Trump administration on economic and foreign affairs, and identifies as pro-life and pro-Christianity. He is challenging incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham, arguing Graham has failed constituents, is not a true conservative, and supports "enemies of America." Lynch positions himself as a "businessman like Donald Trump," believing voters are ready for a change from career politicians. His viewpoints include controversial claims regarding Islam and the First Amendment.
- Darius L Mitchell — Candidate for U.S. Senate in Columbia, SC
Darius L. Mitchell is a Republican candidate seeking election to the U.S. Senate representing South Carolina in 2026. He is on the ballot for the Republican primary, which is scheduled for June 9, 2026. Mitchell is one of several candidates running in the primary race for the U.S. Senate seat. He filed his candidacy with the South Carolina State Election Commission and is associated with Columbia, South Carolina.
- Kathryn D Whitener — Clinical Assistant Professor in Columbia, SC
Kathryn Whitener serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Management Department at the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business. She is seeking election to the U.S. Senate as a Libertarian candidate representing South Carolina. Her professional background is rooted in academia within the field of business management. As a candidate, she is campaigning for federal office. Specific details regarding her policy platform were not extensively outlined in public commentary, though she stands as a Libertarian choice for the state's Senate seat.