Paul Dans, the strategist behind Project 2025, announced he is ending his GOP primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham and will endorse businessman Mark Lynch. Dans cited a recent endorsement from Tucker Carlson in a post on X explaining his decision. Fundraising lagged for Dans — he raised nearly $630,000 last year compared with Graham’s more than $19 million — while Lynch has self-funded with a roughly $5 million loan. President Trump criticized Lynch on Truth Social and reiterated his endorsement of Graham. The South Carolina primary is scheduled for June 9.
Project 2025 Architect Paul Dans Drops GOP Challenge to Lindsey Graham, Backs Mark Lynch
Paul Dans is ending his South Carolina Republican Senate campaign. (George Walker IV / AP file)(George Walker IV)
Republican strategist Paul Dans — known for his work on the conservative Project 2025 policy blueprint — announced Friday that he is ending his primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and is endorsing businessman Mark Lynch.
Dans, who said he had recently been endorsed by commentator Tucker Carlson, wrote on X that he was withdrawing from the race and urged supporters to back Lynch.
“Because we cannot Make America Great Again until Lady Graham is taken out of office. @MarkLynchSC has the resources to make that happen.” — Paul Dans on X
Dans launched his campaign last year, telling NBC News he was running because the country needed “a government of, by and for the people, again. Not by swamp critters like Lindsey Graham.” But his bid struggled financially: Dans raised nearly $630,000 last year, while Graham — who is seeking a fifth Senate term — raised more than $19 million. Lynch has largely self-funded his campaign, loaning it about $5 million last year.
President Donald Trump weighed in Friday on Truth Social, blasting Lynch as a “lunatic” and warning he would be “a DISASTER for the Republican Party,” while reiterating his endorsement of Graham.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has President Trump's endorsement as he runs for a fifth term. (Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images )(Michael M. Santiago)
“I don’t have to go into great detail, but needless to say, Mark Lynch would be a DISASTER for the Republican Party, and Lindsey Graham just, GETS THE JOB DONE.” — Donald Trump on Truth Social
Lynch, who has argued he is closely aligned with Trump’s “America First” movement, launched his campaign last year with a pointed critique of Graham’s record.
“South Carolinians deserve a God-fearing, conservative businessman to fight alongside President Trump against the powers of evil that have such a tight grip on career politicians, not a traitorous, back-stabbing flimsy flip flopper like Lindsey Graham who pretends to put America first when the next election comes around.” — Mark Lynch
Graham shared Trump’s post and thanked the former president on X, writing: “Thank you for your support, President @realDonaldTrump. With your endorsement, I will not let the great people of South Carolina down!”
The South Carolina Republican primary is scheduled for June 9. The campaign developments mark another twist in a high-profile primary that has drawn national attention and significant outside spending.
Originally published on NBCNews.com.
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