Graham led his primary challenger, businessman Mark Lynch, 58.4% to 27.6% when the Associated Press called the race with 60% of the vote counted.
First elected in 2002, Graham is the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Graham is also a strong ally of President Donald Trump, who endorsed him for reelection early this cycle.
“President Trump’s endorsement means the world to me. I am humbled by his faith in me as a Senator and as a friend,” Graham posted on X.
The contest was not without controversy, however. Graham was targeted by former allies of Trump’s MAGA movement for his hawkish foreign policy and championing of the Iran war.
“Lindsey Graham is one of the people responsible for getting us into this war,” Megyn Kelly said on her podcast earlier this year.
In March, Graham told voters to “send their sons and daughters to the Mideast.” He has also framed rising costs for consumers as a result of the Iran war as “consequential” but necessary to stop Tehran from having a nuclear weapon.
UNDECIDED VOTERS COULD PUSH GRAHAM TO HIS FIRST RUNOFF
Lynch attempted to exploit the issue, running an avowedly “America First” campaign critical of the Iran war and foreign intervention. As such, Lynch garnered the endorsement of several ex-Trump administration officials, such as former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent and former Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. Lynch was also backed by former Trump ally Michael Flynn.
“Endless war and endless spending is Lindsey’s legacy,” Lynch said in a recent X post. “Never forget that.”
