Overview
- Graham filed Monday in Columbia and told supporters he would continue advancing Trump's agenda while tending to South Carolina infrastructure and local services.
- He said he spoke with Trump on Sunday night and Monday morning and defended pushing for strikes on Iran, declaring, “We’re crushing them.”
- Associated Press reporting describes the Iran conflict as unpopular with no clear endgame as oil prices rise and fighting spreads across the region.
- His campaign touts endorsements from Trump, Gov. Henry McMaster and Sen. Tim Scott as co-chairs, as well as Ben Carson, Tea Party Express and major anti-abortion groups.
- He faces Republican primary challengers Paul Dans and Mark Lynch as some conservatives criticize his push for escalation, while the White House says Trump maintains a candid rapport with him.