Darline Graham, who was appointed this summer to complete the late Lindsey Graham’s U.S. Senate term, is facing a challenging reelection campaign in South Carolina. The race has become unusually competitive, with polling showing Graham either tied or trailing her Democratic opponent, Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and advocate for gun safety.
Graham assumed office following her brother’s death and quickly found herself in high-stakes political maneuvers, including advocating for a Russia sanctions bill with then-President Donald Trump. Although Trump was initially reluctant to support the sanctions, Graham recalled that he later encouraged her to seek a full six-year Senate term. However, Trump later reversed much of the sanctions effort, leaving Graham privately disappointed. Since then, her campaign has become closely tied to Trump’s standing in the state.
South Carolina has been a reliably Republican state for decades, with no Democrat winning a statewide race in 20 years. Trump carried the state comfortably in 2024. Yet, despite his prior strong support, his approval has declined amid growing dissatisfaction over issues such as rising gas prices and the conflict in Iran. Some political consultants believe Graham remains favored to narrowly win due to traditional conservative voting patterns, but the race is notably tighter than usual.
Andrews has capitalized on these dynamics, raising $4.5 million in early October compared to less than $600,000 raised by Graham, and secured endorsements from prominent Republicans, including former Governor David Beasley. Andrews has run a campaign largely focused on economic pressures and healthcare concerns, hitting Graham as an inexperienced insider unprepared for the Senate role.
Recent campaign events reflect the heightened stakes. Trump held a rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina, drawing several thousand supporters, though some seats remained empty. Meanwhile, Andrews attracted around 400 attendees to a local event the night before. Among those supporting Andrews was Paul Vining, a retired veteran and former Trump voter, who expressed disillusionment with both the former president’s second term and Graham’s campaign.
Graham’s campaign has faced difficulties linked to her relative political inexperience and multiple consecutive elections this year, including a primary and runoff. Early in the campaign, she suffered a setback when she downplayed her grasp of foreign policy during a debate, which reportedly shook her confidence. Political insiders note that Graham, who previously worked in state agency leadership and preferred a behind-the-scenes role, is still building name recognition among voters.
While some Republican strategists and Trump advisers privately express concerns about Graham’s viability and lament the choice of candidate, Trump’s involvement remains central. A Trump confidant confirmed the president’s rally was planned to shore up support amid Graham’s polling struggles. Republican Representative Ralph Norman acknowledged that Graham’s campaign was under pressure, noting Trump’s hand in her candidacy.
On the other side, Andrews has taken a cautious approach to associating with the national Democratic Party, avoiding divisive social issues and focusing instead on economic challenges facing South Carolina voters. She has condemned Graham as ill-qualified for the Senate and highlighted concerns over health care, inflation, and rural hospital closures. Andrews has garnered backing from over 100 state Republicans, although top party leaders remain largely neutral.
As South Carolina’s Senate race enters its final phase, Graham’s campaign seeks to leverage traditional Republican loyalties despite Trump’s fading popularity, while Andrews aims to build on her momentum as a politically moderate Democrat in a deeply red state. The contest reflects broader national tensions, with local dynamics underscoring an increasingly uncertain political landscape.