Of all the Republican senators up for re-election in the 2014 cycle, Graham was considered one of the most vulnerable to a primary challenge, largely due to his low approval ratings and reputation for working with and compromising with Democrats. He expected a primary challenge from conservative activists, including the
Tea Party movement, and
Chris Chocola, president of the
Club for Growth, indicated that his organization would support a primary challenge if an acceptable standard-bearer emerged. However, a serious challenger to Graham failed to emerge and he was widely viewed as likely to win,
Candidates Declared • Det Bowers, pastor and businessman •
Lee Bright, state senator •
Richard Cash, businessman and candidate for
South Carolina's 3rd congressional district in
2010 • Bill Connor, attorney,
lieutenant colonel in the
United States Army Reserve and candidate for
lieutenant governor in
2010 • Benjamin Dunn, attorney •
Lindsey Graham, incumbent U.S. senator •
Nancy Mace, businesswoman and author
Declined • Bruce Carroll, co-founder of
GOProud and blogger at
gay conservative site GayPatriot •
Tom Davis, state senator •
Trey Gowdy, U.S. representative •
Mick Mulvaney, U.S. representative •
Thomas Ravenel, former South Carolina state treasurer (running as an independent) •
Mark Sanford, U.S. representative and former
governor of South Carolina •
Joe Wilson, U.S. representative
Endorsements Debate Polling • ^ Internal poll for Lindsey Graham campaign • * Internal poll for Lee Bright campaign • ^ Internal poll for Lindsey Graham campaign
Results == Democratic primary ==