André Bauer Announces U.S. Senate Bid in South Carolina Amid Accusations of Political Hypocrisy

COLUMBIA, SC — Former South Carolina Lieutenant Governor André Bauer officially declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on July 4, igniting a storm of controversy after resurfaced photos and social media posts linked him to Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Bauer wrote:

“Today, I am officially announcing my campaign for U.S. Senate… I will unapologetically stand with President Trump and the America First agenda and will fight to put South Carolina first — 100% guaranteed!”

But conservatives were quick to challenge Bauer’s alignment, citing photos of him smiling beside Harris during what appears to be a previous campaign stop — and a now-deleted post that included the hashtag #KamalaHarris.

Backlash Over ‘Kamala Photo Op’

Critics accused Bauer of being a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only), with many questioning how someone previously photographed endorsing Kamala Harris could now champion an “America First” platform.

One viral post by a conservative influencer called him out directly:

“He endorsed Kamala Harris with a photo op and hashtag, then runs as a conservative. Him and Lindsey Graham would make a great ‘pair’… if you know what I mean.”

In response, Bauer denied any endorsement:

“I can assure you I never endorsed her. Go back and check… I endorsed President Trump when Lindsey Graham was running against him in 2016. In 2020, Trump nominated me to be ambassador to Belize.”

Still, his attempt at distancing himself from the Harris photo-op only seemed to inflame the issue further.

Supporters and Detractors Clash Online

The controversy prompted a flood of commentary on social media. One post featuring a split image of Bauer with both Harris and Trump drew over 9,000 interactions within hours.

A harsh reply from political activist Mindy Robinson further amplified the moment:

“That hashtag is an endorsement, you f***ing liar.”

The exchange underscored the friction between traditional GOP supporters and those aligned with the more hardline MAGA base — where political purity tests have intensified in recent years.

Tough Primary Ahead

Bauer’s candidacy adds to what’s shaping up to be a volatile GOP primary in South Carolina. His name recognition from previous roles — including lieutenant governor and 2010 gubernatorial candidate — gives him some leverage, but his political record is now under renewed scrutiny.

Key challenges he may face include:

• Ongoing trust issues among Trump loyalists

• Pressure to clearly denounce prior affiliations with moderate Democrats

• A likely barrage of campaign ads from both GOP opponents and PACs highlighting his past controversies

South Carolina’s Shifting Political Landscape

Bauer’s announcement lands at a politically charged moment for the Palmetto State. With national eyes already watching the 2024 presidential race and Kamala Harris rumored as a 2028 gubernatorial contender in California, any perceived party infidelity is being magnified.

The real test may not come from Democrats, but from fellow Republicans.

Do you think André Bauer’s past photo-op with Kamala Harris disqualifies him from representing conservative values? Let us know your thoughts at saludastandard-sentinel.com — where your voice shapes our local coverage.