Senate GOP Spends $5M to Save Darline Graham in South Carolina

2 min read

Senate Republicans have poured $5 million into South Carolina to support Sen. Darline Graham in her re-election bid, as she faces a tight race against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews. The Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC for Senate Republicans, is using the money as an ‘insurance policy’ ahead of the Nov. 3 election, according to a source familiar with the move.

Close Race and Fundraising Disparity

Graham is currently leading Andrews by just 2.4 points, raising concerns that she could cost Republicans the Senate seat. The Senate Leadership Fund did not spend any money on Graham’s campaign previously, indicating national Republicans have grown worried about her chances. Andrews has raised over $10.45 million, compared to Graham’s $347,000, according to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC).

Pro-STEM PAC Supports Democratic Nominee

The 314 Action Fund, a pro-STEM PAC, has financed Andrews’ campaign with $3.6 million in contributions, according to Axios. The PAC was founded to support Democratic candidates with STEM backgrounds, including Andrews, a licensed pediatrician.

Polls Show Tight Race

Recent polls show a closely contested race, with Graham leading by 2.4 points according to RealClearPolling. A September poll by the Trafalgar Group found Graham leading 43.4% to 42.3%, while an InsiderAdvantage poll from Sept. 10 showed her leading by two points. An Impact Research survey from mid-August found them tied at 41%.

Graham’s Background and Controversies

Graham, who was appointed by Republican Gov. Henry McMaster to replace her late brother, former Sen. Lindsey Graham, defeated Rep. Ralph Norman in the Aug. 25 primary runoff after receiving Trump’s endorsement. The late senator supported a U.S. ground takeover of Kharg Island, called for billions for Ukraine, and maintained a strong relationship with Israeli leadership.

Controversial Debate Performance

Graham’s sister stumbled through a question about Taiwan and the South China Sea during an Aug. 19 primary debate. When asked if these were national security issues, Graham admitted she was not informed on the topic, stating, ‘I do support the military.’

Republican Concerns

Many South Carolina Republicans were caught off guard by Graham’s candidacy. Jordan Pace, chairman of the South Carolina Freedom Conference, told the Daily Caller on August 11 that the party did not support her serving for a full term.

Axios: Senate GOP to send $5m to shore up Graham in South Carolina The main super PAC supporting Republican Senate candidates plans to inject $5 million into the South Carolina campaign as an "insurance policy" to help GOP nominee Darline Graham, a source familiar with the move tells Axios. https://t.co/tFKNeqbmTU

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Source: Daily Caller

Written by

Connor Davis