TAMPA, Fla. — Former South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer is presenting himself as a challenger to Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). He argued that South Carolina deserves more representation focused on its needs during remarks to Breitbart News at the recent Turning Point Student Action Summit.
When asked to outline his key priorities that set him apart from Graham, Bauer emphasized several points.
“First and foremost, I believe in complete border security. It’s essential that if someone wants to come here, they should learn the language, integrate into our society, and contribute—pay taxes and all that,” Bauer stated.
“It’s tough for people trying to do it the right way. I’m passionate about this because my grandparents were war heroes and the first generation to be American. We want to honor that.”
“Another major difference is my stance on foreign aid,” he expressed, highlighting a significant contrast between him and Graham.
“Sure, being a good neighbor is important, but if you can’t take care of your own home, nothing else matters. We need to face our debt,” he added. “This isn’t just about conservatism or MAGA; it’s about prioritizing our own.”
“Lastly, South Carolina needs a senator who truly advocates for its people. Lindsey Graham isn’t present anymore. We need fighters, champions—a strong voice in Washington,” Bauer remarked. “We don’t need someone focused on Ukraine.”
“That’s not what a senator should be doing. His job is to represent South Carolina, not places like Afghanistan or Iraq. I oppose that wholeheartedly. I don’t want American lives sacrificed to protect anyone else.”
“We support our allies, sure. With cutting-edge technology like drones, which are meant to save lives. We shouldn’t be involved in endless global conflicts. As conservatives, we need to focus on our own issues,” he continued.
On the topic of Ukraine, Bauer suggested that an audit should be conducted to trace where the funds have gone.
“Did you know there are 840 military bases situated outside of the U.S.? South Carolina has lost two critical bases—Myrtle Beach Air Force Base and the Charleston Navy Yard. Yet, we still maintain over 800 around the globe. Before making cuts in South Carolina, we could’ve easily closed bases elsewhere.”
“We have more than 46,000 troops in Germany. Does Germany really require that when they’re our ally?” he questioned. “I think we should bring those troops back home, secure our borders, save money, and cut down on debt.”
Bauer further criticized the Department of Education, asserting it should not have a central role in Washington, D.C.
“People in South Carolina are quite different from those in Vermont. The skills and workforce vary significantly. If you’re unhappy with the education system, you can always move to Florida if that suits you better. It’s not the same governance as under Lindsey Graham, whose philosophy seems out of touch,” he concluded.
