SOUTH CAROLINA — Paul Dans announced on X that he is ending his primary campaign against Senator Lindsey Graham in the South Carolina Republican Senate race. Dans posted that he is dropping out of the contest and throwing his support behind businessman Mark Lynch, another challenger to the four-term incumbent.

Dans launched his campaign against Graham last year and raised nearly $630,000 during that period. Before entering the Senate race, Dans had overseen the conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025. Media commentator Tucker Carlson endorsed Dans during the campaign.

In his post on X announcing the end of his candidacy, Dans directed his supporters toward Lynch and leveled criticism at Graham. "Because we cannot Make America Great Again until Lady Graham is taken out of office. @MarkLynchSC has the resources to make that happen." Dans wrote in the same post: "We need to have a government of, by and for the people, again. Not by swamp critters like Lindsey Graham."

Lynch loaned his own campaign $5 million last year, giving him a substantial financial base to challenge Graham. Dans's decision to endorse Lynch puts him at odds with Trump, who has publicly backed Graham in the race. Graham shared Trump's Truth Social posts about the race on Friday.

Graham is seeking a fifth term in the United States Senate. His campaign raised more than $19 million last year, compared with nearly $630,000 raised by Dans. Graham posted in response to Trump's backing: "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 set for June 9.