Those statistics ranked South Carolina in 25th place among all 50 states. The study ranked Virginia as the most patriotic state, followed by Montana, Vermont, Colorado and Oregon.

"As a proven conservative fighter, I will unapologetically stand with President Trump and the America First agenda and will fight to put South Carolina first," André Bauer said.

The Palmetto State’s senior senator has faced primary challenges before, and multiple challengers helped lead to a split in the anti-Graham vote.

Trump supporter Andre Bauer announces Senate bid against Lindsey Graham in SC's 2026 Republican primary, highlighting America First credentials and attacking Graham's record

Trump's 2024 co-campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, is set to join SC Sen. Lindsey Graham's re-election campaign as an adviser.

In an X post after publication, Alex Latcham, who oversaw Trump campaign operations in South Carolina, disputed Bauer’s claim of support as “bulls***.” Lacham is now executive director of the Senate Leadership Fund, the outside group that protects GOP incumbents.