Paul Dans is gearing up to challenge Lindsey Graham in the South Carolina Republican primary next year. This move adds yet another name to a growing list of Republican contenders. Dans plans to announce his candidacy formally in Charleston soon.
Previously, Dans led Project 2025 until July 2024, a controversial proposal that criticized the U.S. government’s “deep state” and aimed to install political appointees in key roles. As Trump embraced many of its ideas, Dans expressed excitement over these developments, calling the second Trump administration “beyond my wildest dreams.”
In Project 2025, which spans over 900 pages, one of the central themes was dismantling what some view as entrenched bureaucracies. The project suggested significant policy changes, covering immigration reform and more. Dans believes there’s indeed a “deep state” and has positioned himself as someone who actively sought to bring changes during Trump’s first term.
When asked about Graham, Dans didn’t hold back. He called Graham the “top swamp critter,” suggesting that Graham, who has been a senator since 2003, doesn’t resonate with the more populist wing of the Republican Party. In fact, Dans pointed to a Trump rally where Graham faced boos from the crowd.
Graham is running for his fifth term with Trump’s endorsement. However, Trump has been known to shift his support, so it remains to be seen how this will play out in the primaries. Other candidates like former lieutenant governor Andre Bauer and businessman Mark Lynch are also in the mix.
In the current political landscape, the GOP’s dynamic is crucial. Recent surveys show that more Republicans are leaning towards candidates who reflect Trump’s MAGA ethos. This primary could serve as a pivotal moment for determining the future direction of the party.
Chris LaCivita, a senior advisor to Graham’s campaign, criticized Dans’s run, suggesting his past failure with Project 2025 casts doubt on his potential success in South Carolina.
As the primary approaches, the race promises to ignite discussions about loyalty in the GOP, the role of established politicians vs. newcomers, and what it truly means to align with the party’s base today. Keeping an eye on social media reactions will also be insightful, as voters express their opinions about candidates and their platforms.
For a deeper understanding of grassroots sentiments, recent data from Pew Research highlights that nearly 60% of Republican voters want candidates who strongly support Trump’s policies. This primary could be a test of that commitment.
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