Sen. Lindsey Graham in Bluffton: Gas prices, Iran conflict, and possible SC redistricting

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham says Americans could see relief at the gas pump once the conflict with Iran ends — whether through a peace agreement or military action.

Graham made the comments during a campaign stop in Bluffton, where he spoke with about 100 people on a range of issues, including gas prices, the fighting involving Iran, and renewed talk of redistricting South Carolina’s congressional map.

Graham links gas prices to the end of the Iran conflict

Graham, who has served as one of South Carolina’s U.S. senators since 2003 and is seeking reelection, said he believes the war is in its final phase as the U.S. and Iran trade fire around the Strait of Hormuz.

He claimed Iran was only weeks away from weapons-grade uranium.

“If you can end this diplomatically where you do a deal where they never get a nuclear weapon, they stop spreading terrorism, I’m all for a peaceful solution,” Graham said. “Let’s say Iran tells us to take a hike — here’s the good news: I think military operations would be very intense and very short.”

Graham told the crowd he expects prices at the pump to fall as the conflict winds down.

“I know gas prices are tough, but they are going to go down when the war winds down. We’re inside the 10-yard line, and the good news is that once you put Iran in a box, gas prices stay down,” Graham said.

Support for Trump and conservative judges

If reelected, Graham — a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee — said he plans to continue supporting President Donald Trump and backing conservative judicial appointments.

“Choose wisely,” Graham told voters. “We want someone who can win. If they get the job, they need to know what they are doing, make us proud the best they can, and help President Trump.”

Graham weighs in on possible congressional redistricting

Graham also addressed the possibility of redrawing South Carolina’s congressional districts, an issue that has become a flashpoint at the Statehouse.

The renewed push follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on a Louisiana congressional district and increased national pressure on Republican-led states to revisit their maps ahead of the midterm elections.

On Wednesday, South Carolina House lawmakers voted to begin the process of potentially redrawing the state’s congressional map by extending their time in Columbia past May 14. That resolution now heads to the South Carolina Senate.

Democrats have criticized the effort, arguing lawmakers should focus on other policy priorities and warning that shifting district lines mid-campaign could create uncertainty.

Graham said he supports state Republicans taking another look at the map, but said lawmakers should be deliberate.

“I hope they take the time to look at it,” Graham said. “Long-term consequences are at stake here, and redistricting done in a commonsense fashion makes sense, but if the courts step in, only time will tell.”

He also cautioned against changes that could backfire politically for Republicans.

“Make sure the map accomplishes the goal,” Graham said. “If at the end of the day we create a map that gives Democrats more competitive opportunities, what have you gained? You may pick up one seat but lose 2 or 3 others.”