South Carolina Senate race neck-and-neck in latest poll
A new New York Times/Siena poll shows Democrat Annie Andrews and Republican incumbent Darline Graham tied at 48% in the South Carolina Senate contest.
A recent New York Times/Siena poll finds Democrat Annie Andrews and Republican incumbent Darline Graham dead-locked at 48% each in the South Carolina Senate race. The state, which has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1998 and gave President Donald Trump a nearly 18-point margin in 2024, now shows a competitive contest.
Graham, appointed after her brother Lindsey Graham’s death in July and urged to run by President Trump, has faced criticism for her lack of elected experience. In an August debate she acknowledged limited knowledge of national-security issues, and 51% of respondents said she lacks the experience needed for the Senate.
Andrews, a pediatrician from Charleston, centers her campaign on health-care reforms, advocating a public option and lower prescription-drug costs while rejecting a full Medicare-for-All plan. She has positioned herself as moderate, distancing from the party’s left wing and appealing to independent voters, who back her 57% to 37% over Graham.
Graham leans heavily on President Trump’s endorsement, opposing abortion rights, supporting Trump’s stance on tariffs and the conflict with Iran, and calling for immediate deportation of undocumented immigrants. President Trump recently visited the state to rally for Graham, labeling Andrews “extreme” and drawing protests.
Republican spending in the state remains high, though the party’s establishment shows signs of division; Congressman Ralph Norman, who lost a runoff to Graham, said he will not campaign for her.