The South Carolina U.S. Senate race, once presumed to be a straightforward victory for incumbent Republican Lindsey Graham, has become unexpectedly competitive following Graham's death in July and the subsequent nomination of his sister, Darline Graham.
Darline Graham was appointed to fill her brother's term by Gov. Henry McMaster, a move widely praised due to their close relationship. However, her decision to seek a full six-year term in a snap primary has significantly altered the political landscape. This development has created a potential path for Democrat Annie Andrews to flip a Senate seat in a state that has consistently elected Republicans for decades.
Whoever wins the election will make history as the first woman elected to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate. The race has also raised the possibility of the first Democratic statewide victory for a U.S. Senate or governor's office in South Carolina since 1998.
President Donald Trump initially endorsed Darline Graham, campaigning for her in the state and backing her in a primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman. However, this support has reportedly alienated some independent voters and right-wing Republicans uneasy with Graham's inexperience and the idea of a political dynasty. During a primary debate, Graham admitted, "National security is not my thing," when asked about U.S. interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Despite Republican reassurances, Senate Republicans' primary super PAC has sent reinforcements to South Carolina to support Graham. Andrews, who had been campaigning for over a year before Graham's death, has focused her campaign on economic issues, framing Graham as part of an out-of-touch Washington establishment. Andrews herself previously challenged Rep. Nancy Mace in 2022 but lost, though she has maintained visibility since then. The two candidates clashed during their sole debate over their qualifications, with Andrews accusing Graham of relying on her late brother's political legacy.
Past polling has shown seemingly close races that ultimately resulted in wider Republican victories, including Lindsey Graham's 10-point win in 2020 against Democrat Jaime Harrison. The last Democrat elected to the Senate from South Carolina was Fritz Hollings in 1998. Republicans have historically benefited from straight-ticket voting in the state. Both Libertarian and Constitution Party candidates are also on the general election ballot.