What Happened?

South Carolinians recent TV ads, mailers, or texts about South Carolina's Senate race may not have come from a local campaign at all, but from a super PAC that has poured millions into shaping what you see. Security Is Strength PAC, a conservative super PAC focused on South Carolina, has spent millions in the state's U.S. Senate race, successfully supporting Republican Sen. Darline Graham in her victory against Rep. Ralph Norman in the Republican primary and Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.

Security Is Strength PAC, which describes its mission as promoting a strong national defense, conservative judicial philosophy, and traditional American values, first spent money supporting the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) before redirecting its efforts after his death and supporting his sister to fill his seat. The PAC reported $7.13 million in receipts and $7.44 million in disbursements through Aug. 5, with $419,179 remaining in cash on hand. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) financial summary lists $6.39 million in independent expenditures for Security Is Strength PAC through Aug. 5.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

Security Is Strength PAC's campaign supporting Darline Graham includes television ads, direct mail, text messaging, and digital advertising. Outside money at this scale can shape what voters see and hear about candidates well before Election Day, independent of what the campaigns themselves choose to say.

Both Sides, Now

The PAC's largest disclosed donors include the Lawrence J. Ellison Revocable Trust, which gave $1 million, Startline LLC at $300,000, Altria Client Services LLC at $250,000, and RAI Services Company at $200,000. The PAC also received $144,362 from other political committees through Aug. 5. MAGA Inc. reported nearly $830,000 supporting Darline Graham during the Republican runoff, and other outside groups also spent in the contest.

Supporters of outside spending argue it amplifies political speech protected under the First Amendment. Critics contend it gives wealthy donors outsized influence over elections without direct accountability to voters. Congress has not passed limits on the amount of super PAC spending. The FEC, the federal agency that enforces campaign finance law, requires disclosure of donors above certain thresholds but cannot cap independent expenditures under current law.

What Happens Next?

Super PACs are required to file updated disclosures with the FEC on a regular schedule, and those filings become public as they are submitted. The general election is the next major milestone. Voters, campaigns, and journalists can monitor new FEC filings to track whether Security Is Strength PAC increases, holds steady, or winds down its spending as Election Day draws closer.

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