Lindsey Graham’s sister in stunning dead heat for his seat that could flip blue for the first time in decades
A poll has put Republican Darline Graham level with Democrat Annie Andrews in the race for South Carolina’s US Senate seat, making the contest unusually competitive in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 1998. The result matters to Republicans seeking to retain a seat long held by Lindsey Graham, whose sister is running to replace him.
The New York Times/Siena poll surveyed 707 likely voters and found both candidates on 48 per cent. President Donald Trump has campaigned for Darline and attacked Andrews with a derogatory nickname and claims about her policies; Andrews has focused on family concerns and her work as a paediatrician. Darline has not held elected office, and Republicans have allocated an additional $5 million to support her campaign.
In short
- Poll finds both South Carolina Senate candidates at 48 per cent.
- The race could threaten a long-held Republican seat.
- Republicans added $5 million to support Darline Graham.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Republicans can argue that Darline Graham offers voters continuity with a long-serving senator and the party’s policies, while a close poll makes a stronger campaign effort prudent. They may also see her candidacy as a chance to retain a seat that matters to their ability to advance their agenda in the Senate.
The case against
Democrats can argue that a competitive race gives South Carolinians a meaningful chance to choose a different representative after decades without a Democratic senator, and that Andrews’s medical work and focus on family concerns speak to voters’ everyday priorities. They may also contend that voters should judge the candidates on their qualifications and policies rather than rely on personal attacks or family connections.
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