Who Is Running for Senate in South Carolina in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Lindsey Graham
(Incumbent)Economy
LowResearch pending more substantial sources.
Immigration
HighSenator Lindsey Graham advocates for ending sanctuary city policies, introducing the End Sanctuary Cities Act of 2026. This legislation would criminalize state and local officials who impede federal immigration laws, specifically by failing to detain or releasing undocumented individuals from custody when requested by DHS. Graham argues these policies are a root cause of problems, creating lawlessness and hindering federal authority. He plans to seek a Senate vote on his bill to restore order and eliminate obstacles for law enforcement.
Healthcare
HighSenator Lindsey Graham voted for the Crapo-Cassidy plan, known as the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, which aims to make healthcare more affordable by redirecting taxpayer dollars from insurance companies to patients via health savings accounts. He opposed extending Covid-era Obamacare subsidies, citing concerns that they are costly, benefit insurance companies, lack income caps, and are "riddled with fraud." Graham advocates for reforms that lower costs and improve quality of care, and also sponsored the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (S. 339).
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Lindsey Graham |
|---|---|
| Economy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Immigration | Senator Lindsey Graham advocates for ending sanctuary city policies, introducing the End Sanctuary Cities Act of 2026. This legislation would criminalize state and local officials who impede federal immigration laws, specifically by failing to detain or releasing undocumented individuals from custody when requested by DHS. Graham argues these policies are a root cause of problems, creating lawlessness and hindering federal authority. He plans to seek a Senate vote on his bill to restore order and eliminate obstacles for law enforcement. High |
| Healthcare | Senator Lindsey Graham voted for the Crapo-Cassidy plan, known as the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, which aims to make healthcare more affordable by redirecting taxpayer dollars from insurance companies to patients via health savings accounts. He opposed extending Covid-era Obamacare subsidies, citing concerns that they are costly, benefit insurance companies, lack income caps, and are "riddled with fraud." Graham advocates for reforms that lower costs and improve quality of care, and also sponsored the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (S. 339). High |
| Climate & Energy | Senator Lindsey Graham supports a "price on carbon" to address climate change, advocating for private-sector solutions and government collaboration. He believes the greenhouse effect and human-caused CO2 emissions contribute to global warming, and that clean air initiatives should be business-friendly. Graham emphasizes that environmental solutions should not harm the economy, stating he would "never, ever destroy the economy in the name of helping the environment." He has been endorsed by the American Conservation Coalition. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Lindsey Graham supports a national minimum standard limiting abortion at 15 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. He introduced the Protecting Pain-Capable Unborn Children from Late-Term Abortions Act and plans legislation requiring anesthesia for unborn children at 15 weeks, citing their capacity to feel pain. He believes the pro-life movement prioritizes the wellbeing of the unborn child and that a national limit aligns with other developed nations. He voted against motions to proceed to the Right to IVF Act and the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act. High |
| Foreign Policy | Lindsey Graham advocates for strong U.S. leadership and a robust U.S.-Israel defense partnership, including joint weapons development, which he considers vital for security. He has supported military action against Iran's regime, viewing it as a significant threat, but opposes U.S. nation-building efforts there. He also voted to require Senate consent for withdrawing from NATO. High |
| Education | Senator Lindsey Graham co-sponsored and voted to advance the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, which would require federally funded colleges and universities to inform pregnant students of their accommodations and rights. He advocates for this legislation to ensure pregnant students can continue their education without having to choose between their studies and their unborn child. Graham has also expressed support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, noting their role in providing quality education. High |
| Gun Policy | Lindsey Graham opposes extending background checks, stating concerns that universal checks would lead to universal gun registration. He joined in introducing a bill in March 2013 to close a loophole by flagging individuals with insanity defenses or court-ordered mental health treatment from purchasing guns. Senator Graham is the lead sponsor of the Respect for the Second Amendment Act and led the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023. He earned an "A" rating from NSSF for his support for the Second Amendment. High |
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