Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the late Lindsey Graham, aiming to tackle the nation’s debt and restore fiscal discipline. He frames his bid around getting Washington’s finances back in order so that future generations can pursue the American Dream, a message echoed across his campaign videos and statements. Sanford enters a crowded GOP field that already includes several congressmen and Graham’s allies, with the primary approaching in August; he has reorganized his old House committee into a Senate campaign account and signaled fundraising readiness. His political trajectory spans decades as a congressman and two-term governor, punctuated by a high-profile 2009 scandal, but he remains a recognizable figure in South Carolina politics. Reporting notes vary on specifics, but all describe Sanford re-entering electoral politics after briefly stepping back to advocate on national debt and fiscal issues. He had a recent attempt at federal office in the mid-2010s and has positioned himself for the 2026 race amid a broader Republican lineup.