The former lieutenant governor of South Carolina suspended his campaign for U.S. Senate in a social media announcement on August 8.
André Bauer officially entered the race to unseat incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham on July 2. He was one of three Republicans competing against Graham in the primary contest. The other two candidates are Project 2025 architect Paul Dans and Upstate businessman Mark Lynch.
In a social media post announcing his resignation from the race, Bauer said he “cannot and will not” be part of a political atmosphere that rewards deception over honesty. He was in the race for a little more than a month.
“After deep prayer and reflection, I have decided to suspend my campaign for the United States Senate. This decision does not come lightly,” Bauer said in a social media post. “I believe now, more than ever, that in order for us to truly move forward, we must stop tearing one another down with lies and division.”
Bauer served in both South Carolina’s House and Senate. He was also the Lieutenant Governor of the Palmetto State from 2003 to 2011 and chairman of the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association in 2005.
Bauer’s campaign page stated that he plans to stand with President Donald Trump, secure the border, and “take on the establishment swamp.” He said in his withdrawal announcement that he is grateful to everyone who supported him, his family, and his campaign over the years.
“If we are going to win—truly win—it won’t be through slander or selfish gain. It will be through unity, humility, and a shared desire to honor God and serve one another,” Bauer wrote on social media.
Bella Carpentier covers the South Carolina legislature, state, and Greenville County politics. Contact her at bcarpentier@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Senate 2026: André Bauer ends campaign to unseat Sen. Lindsey Graham