Republican Paul Dans, the architect behind Project 2025, has ended his primary challenge against Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina.

Dans had launched a campaign to unseat Graham in the 2024 Republican primary, positioning himself as a conservative alternative to the longtime senator. Project 2025, which Dans oversaw, is a comprehensive policy blueprint developed by conservative organizations for a potential Republican presidency.

The decision to withdraw from the race comes as Graham faces his next reelection cycle in South Carolina, where he has served since 2003. Graham, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been a prominent figure in Republican politics and a close ally of former President Donald Trump.

Dans' withdrawal reduces the field of Republican challengers to Graham, though other potential candidates may still emerge before the filing deadline. Graham has previously faced primary challenges but has successfully defended his seat in general elections.

The South Carolina Republican primary is expected to take place in 2026, as Graham's current term runs through that year.