Democrat Annie Andrews has narrowly defeated Republican Darline Graham in South Carolina's Senate race, a result that surprised election analysts and potentially signals a shift in the state's political landscape. The win makes Andrews the first Democrat to secure a Senate seat in South Carolina in 28 years.
NBC News elections guru Steve Kornacki expressed shock on air as the race was projected, stating, "This is shocking!" He noted that early numbers, which initially suggested a lean toward Graham, were "very scary numbers for you" if she hoped to win. Ultimately, Andrews secured victory by a four-point margin.
Kornacki highlighted key shifts in counties like Greenville and Spartanburg, which are typically Republican strongholds. He observed that Spartanburg moved "31 points in the Democrats’ direction," a margin far exceeding what Andrews needed to win.
Darline Graham, personally selected by then-President Trump, had aimed to fill the seat left vacant by her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. Trump had encouraged her bid for the full six-year term, despite her limited political experience and admitted lack of deep knowledge on national security matters during her primary campaign.
Andrews outraised Graham by $22 million. Outside groups on both sides invested heavily, with Republican groups pouring $27 million into holding the seat and Democratic groups spending $24 million to flip it.
The race tightening in recent weeks had prompted Trump to hold a rally in the state. During the campaign, Graham had called Andrews "bats*** crazy," to which Andrews responded by questioning if it was "crazy to want cheaper gas and groceries," referencing voter concerns about the cost of living and high diesel prices.
This South Carolina outcome contributes to a broader trend where national issues, including Trump's approval ratings and voter discontent over the economy and the war in Iran, have put traditionally Republican seats into play. The results come as Democrats are making gains nationwide, with a significant number of Americans turning out to vote on key issues.
In another notable Senate battleground, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper secured a crucial seat for Democrats, turning the Tar Heel State blue and signaling potential broader midterm losses for Republicans. Democrats need to flip four Republican-held seats to gain control of the Senate and three seats to take the House of Representatives.