(Pictured: Mark Sanford via Facebook)
Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has entered the Republican primary race for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant following the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Sanford officially launched his campaign Thursday with a visit to the Bluffton Farmers Market, where he met with voters and spoke with members of the media.
His campaign is centered on addressing affordability by reducing federal spending and shrinking the size of government. Sanford said rising costs facing families and businesses are tied to excessive government spending and argued that the federal government should operate within its means, similar to households and businesses.
Sanford also criticized the Senate’s legislative process, pointing to the practice of considering lengthy bills with limited time for lawmakers to review them before voting. He additionally highlighted local zoning regulations as a contributing factor to the nation’s housing affordability challenges.
Sanford joins a crowded field of nine Republican candidates seeking the nomination.
The Republican nominee will face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the November general election to determine who will serve the remainder of Graham’s Senate term.
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