(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is going to seek a fifth six-year term in 2026.
And on Wednesday night he was given a full endorsement by President Donald Trump.
Graham and Trump, each extremely powerful among conservatives in voting blocs and in Beltway authority, arguably have an on-and-off relationship. The senator, turning 70 in July, was once a presidential candidate and seldom if ever is shy to voice opinion, including when contrary to the president.
Trump, turning 79 in June, may be the most mercurial leader of the free world this generation has experienced. His expectation is loyalty, and few cross him without consequence.
“President Trump’s endorsement means the world to me,” Graham posted to social media late Wednesday night. “I am humbled by his faith in me as a senator and as a friend. On a personal level, I genuinely enjoy our friendship. He’s an awesome golfing buddy, who I have yet to beat. I look forward to being one of the driving forces in the U.S. Senate to enact President Trump’s agenda to make America more prosperous and more secure.”
His post topped the president lauding Graham’s “incredibly hard” work for South Carolina.
“Lindsey has been a wonderful friend to me, and has always been there when I needed him,” Trump’s social media post said. “As the chair of the Senate Budget Committee, Lindsey is fighting tirelessly to grow the economy, lower taxes, and eliminate government waste.
“Lindsey is also relentlessly focused on helping us secure the border, stop migrant crime, strongly support our great military/vets, promote American dominance, defend our always under siege Second Amendment, and ensure peace through strength.”
Graham is chairman of the Budget Committee; member of the Judiciary Committee; and a member with multiple subcommittee assignments on each of the Appropriations Committee, and Environment and Public Works Committee.
In 2016, each made a bid for president and Trump ultimately emerged from a 17-candidate Republican field. Graham’s colorful language – such as calling him a “jackass” – and declaration he wasn’t mentally fit for the position was balanced by Trump calling him a “lightweight” and “idiot.”
Once Trump won, the two patched up and moved forward as allies. Most of the time.
Their list of events since are lengthy, some positive, some not: confirmation of Supreme Court justices; support of a federal abortion ban; support then second thoughts by Trump of endorsing Graham in 2020; Graham testifying as Trump faced litigation; and the events of Jan. 6, 2021, to name a few.
Politicos have speculated that, while the dustups and the alliances are genuine, the two ultimately benefit from each. Graham’s campaign pulled in more than $112.2 million in contributions in 2020.
Graham defeated Democrats Alex Sanders 54%-44% in 2002; Bob Conley 58%-42% in 2008; Brad Hutto 54%-39% in 2014; and Jaime Harrison 54%-44% in 2020.
Twenty months out, the 2026 election card thus far has drawn Republican Mark Lynch; Democrats Catherine Fleming Bruce and Kyle Freeman; and independents Jack Ellison and Reece Wright-McDonald.
