Charleston, South Carolina — Paul Dans, known for his role in shaping Project 2025, has officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate with the objective of unseating incumbent Lindsey Graham. Dans plans to launch his Republican primary campaign in Charleston on Wednesday, aiming to connect with voters who are increasingly questioning Graham’s allegiance to the former president and the conservative base.

Graham, a well-known ally of Donald Trump, finds himself amid a wave of skepticism from some factions of the Republican Party. While Trump has extended his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to Graham for the 2026 election, Dans is not backing down from his challenge. He will face competition from former Lt. Gov. André Bauer, who has also declared his intention to run.

In a recent interview, Dans articulated his motivation for running, stating his desire to safeguard the American dream for future generations. “We need to keep this great country in shape for another 250 years,” he remarked. During his candidacy, Dans positions himself as a champion of the “America First” agenda and is critical of Graham’s past actions, particularly his criticisms of Trump during the 2016 election cycle and his support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.

Dans emphasized that his campaign is about reclaiming the Senate seat for South Carolinians. “This is their Senate seat. I am a huge Trump supporter and have stood beside him during challenging times,” he asserted. His connection to Project 2025, a right-wing policy initiative, aims to provide a roadmap for a future administration that prioritizes conservative values from day one.

Despite facing challenges within the party, Dans remains optimistic, suggesting that his ideals resonate with Trump’s governing philosophy. He claims to feel an implicit endorsement from Trump in his efforts to advocate for conservative reforms. Dans’ remarks suggest he will confront Graham’s established presence, labeling the incumbent as someone who no longer aligns with the values of the Republican base.

Graham’s campaign, meanwhile, has dismissed Dans’ entry as an unwelcome distraction. Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser for Graham, highlighted earlier criticisms of Dans and questioned the likelihood of his success in a race already crowded with contenders.

As the political landscape shifts in South Carolina, Dans remains steadfast, framing his campaign as pivotal for the future of the Republican Party. He argues that the upcoming election is not merely a contest for a Senate seat, but a critical moment for the MAGA movement to either thrive or fall back into what he describes as the “swamp.”

With the campaign officially underway, Dans promises to usher in a new generation of leadership that aligns with Trump’s vision and advocates for significant policy changes. “We need warriors who are ready to implement the plan that President Trump has set in motion,” he stated, solidifying his commitment to his vision for South Carolina and beyond.