Dem Annie Andrews defeats Trump-backed Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate upset
WASHINGTON, DC: Democrat Annie Andrews has defeated Republican Sen Darline Graham in South Carolina’s Senate race, according to NBC News projections. The result marks a significant upset in a state that President Donald Trump carried by more than 17 points in 2024.
Andrews, a pediatrician, will become South Carolina’s first Democratic senator in more than 20 years.
Darline was appointed to the seat in July following the sudden death of her brother, long-serving Sen Lindsey Graham, from a heart condition. She subsequently ran for a full term but faced criticism over her limited familiarity with some national policy issues.
Andrews’ victory marks a major blow to Republicans as Democrats make gains in key Senate races.
Darline Graham faces scrutiny over Senate experience
Gov Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham, a former state government administrator, in July after Lindsey Graham, a five-term senator and longtime fixture in Washington, died suddenly from a heart condition.
Darline then decided to run for a full term, beginning with a special primary election. However, she soon faced criticism over her limited knowledge of some policy issues.
During a debate with a Republican rival, she admitted that she was “not that informed on national security,” though she went on to win the GOP nomination.
Although Democrats initially viewed the race as a long shot, Darline’s weaknesses prompted the Cook Political Report to shift its rating in September from “solidly” Republican to “likely” Republican.
Meanwhile, Andrews significantly outraised and outspent Darline, who had to build her campaign from scratch midway through the election cycle.
During the final pre-election fundraising period, Andrews’ campaign raised more than $4 million, mostly from online donors, and spent over $4.6 million in two weeks. Darline’s campaign raised about $90,000 and spent $65,000.
Annie Andrews and Darline Graham clash over Trump
Andrews and Darline traded barbs during a debate last month.
She accused Andrews of being unwilling to “stand up to socialist Democrats,” while Andrews described Darline as little more than a rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s agenda.
Andrews said she supported the Second Amendment, but Darline pointed out that Andrews had served as a senior adviser to Everytown, a prominent gun control advocacy group.
Andrews also faced accusations of backtracking on previous statements expressing strong support for transgender people.
Darline said Andrews had been “deceiving the people of South Carolina” and had “flip-flopped on everything.”
She also made a notable break with Trump last month after he announced that he would waive sanctions against Russia, bypassing a new law named after her brother.
“Personally, I would choose to put the pressure on Russia to end the war and get gas prices down,” Darline told reporters at a campaign event. “Because I don’t trust Putin, and I don’t trust Russia.”
Andrews’ victory means South Carolina will send a Democrat to the Senate for the first time in more than two decades, ending the Republicans’ long hold on the seat.
The result also highlights how Darline’s appointment, campaign challenges and difficulty establishing herself as a candidate shaped an unexpectedly competitive race.
