COLUMBIA, S.C. — Paul Dans, a leading figure behind the conservative Project 2025 initiative, has ended his Republican primary campaign against Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina, withdrawing from a race that was expected to highlight divisions within President Trump’s political base.
Dans withdrew his candidacy on Friday, which marked the final opportunity to have his name removed from ballots ahead of South Carolina’s June 9 primary election.
President Trump, who has long supported Graham as one of his key congressional supporters, responded to Dans’ withdrawal with a social media message claiming that Tucker Carlson’s backing of Dans had been the “KISS OF DEATH” for his campaign.
The former president and Carlson have been in a public dispute regarding the Iran conflict, which the ex-Fox News host described as “absolutely disgusting and evil.” Dans rejected claims that Carlson’s involvement influenced his decision to exit the race.
Following his withdrawal, Dans announced his support for Mark Lynch, a Republican candidate who owns an appliance business. Trump quickly criticized this endorsement in another social media message, stating that Lynch “would be a DISASTER for the Republican Party” if he wins.
Dans gained national recognition as a primary organizer of Project 2025, a comprehensive conservative policy framework designed for Trump’s potential return to office. While expressing satisfaction with certain Trump administration achievements — such as reducing federal employment and cutting government programs — Dans indicated that “more work to do” remains in the Senate.
“What we’ve done with Project 2025 is really change the game in terms of closing the door on the progressive era,” Dans shared with The Associated Press in a previous interview. “If you look at where the chokepoint is, it’s the United States Senate. That’s the headwaters of the swamp.”
Dans, who served as White House liaison to the Office of Personnel Management during Trump’s first presidency, frequently traveled to Washington while developing Project 2025 at the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative policy organization. The extensive policy document spans nearly 1,000 pages and features contributions from prominent conservative policy experts.
Taking on Graham, who has successfully defended his seat against multiple challengers throughout his tenure, represents a significant political challenge. Six other Republican candidates continue their campaigns, while Graham’s team reported having over $11.6 million available, after raising approximately $1.4 million during the year’s first quarter.
Trump provided early support for Graham, who serves as both a trusted advisor and frequent golf companion, despite their occasionally strained relationship. Graham, who is pursuing a fifth Senate term, has also secured endorsements from South Carolina’s top Republican leaders, including Senator Tim Scott and Governor Henry McMaster, who will lead his 2026 campaign effort.
