Democrat Wins South Carolina Senate Race Against Graham’s Sister
Annie Andrews defeats Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate race, signaling a political shift in the state.
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Democrat Annie Andrews has won the South Carolina Senate race against Republican incumbent Darline Graham, marking a significant political shift in the state. The victory was announced on Election Night, with Andrews leading Graham 51 percent to 46.8 percent of the vote, according to NBC News.
The race, which saw tight polling and forecasted uncertainty, was closely contested with polls showing the candidates running neck and neck. A New York Times/Siena poll released Wednesday found Graham and Andrews tied at 48 percent, reflecting the close race. Fox News’ election forecaster noted the race is considered ‘uncomfortably close.’
Andrews’ Political Background
Andrews, a pediatrician and mother of three, previously ran for the Democratic nomination in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District in 2022, challenging Republican Rep. Nancy Mace. She lost that race, receiving approximately 42.5 percent of the vote to Mace’s 56.5 percent. In June 2026, Andrews secured the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, defeating Brandon Brown and Kyle Freeman in the primary, with 61.5 percent of the vote.
Policy Focus and Criticisms
Andrews centered her campaign on lowering healthcare costs, protecting access to care, and addressing affordability issues facing working families, including rising grocery, gas, housing, and childcare costs. She also emphasized reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention, government accountability, and a more pragmatic, centrist approach to governing.
Andrews frequently criticized Graham over her support for Republican-backed Medicaid cuts, her votes against efforts to end U.S. involvement in the Iran war, and her backing of expanded data center development, which Andrews argued could drive up utility costs for South Carolina families. She also questioned Graham’s qualifications for the Senate, pointing to her appointment following her brother Lindsey Graham’s death and accused her of being too closely aligned with Washington insiders and special interests, including insurance and artificial intelligence companies.
Source: Daily Caller
