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A day of reckoning for Trump favorite Darline Graham as deep red South Carolina teeters on the brink
President Trump held a rally in South Carolina to support Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham, whose close contest with Democrat Annie Andrews has put the state’s long-standing Republican Senate seat at risk. The race matters nationally because a Democratic win could help shift control of the Senate, while weak enthusiasm for Graham has raised concerns among Republicans about her candidacy and the campaign.
Graham was appointed to fill the seat after her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, died in July, but her decision to seek a full six-year term has drawn criticism. A New York Times/Siena poll put both candidates at 48 per cent, with Andrews leading among independents; by 14 October, she had raised $23.8 million compared with Graham’s $1.2 million. South Carolina backed Trump by 18 points in 2024 and has not elected a Democratic senator since 1998.
In short
- Trump campaigned in South Carolina for Darline Graham.
- Polling showed Graham and Annie Andrews tied at 48 per cent.
- Andrews had raised far more campaign money by 14 October.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Graham’s supporters can argue that her appointment provides continuity and experience at a time when control of the Senate could shape the national agenda. South Carolina’s strong Republican record also gives voters reason to favour a candidate aligned with the party they have repeatedly chosen, while a Trump rally may help energise those voters.
The case against
Andrews’s supporters can argue that Graham should earn a full term on her own merits, and that a close race in a state that usually votes Republican gives voters a meaningful chance to reconsider its representation. Her lead among independents and substantial fundraising suggest there is demand for a change, while the contest could affect the balance of power in the Senate.
Explained simply
South Carolina has long been a stronghold for Republicans, and Donald Trump won the state comfortably in 2024. Its Senate seat became vacant when Lindsey Graham died in July, and Darline Graham was appointed to serve until voters choose who will hold it for a full six-year term.
Darline Graham is seeking that term against Democrat Annie Andrews. Their close contest has drawn attention because a change in the seat could affect which party controls the US Senate, where both parties seek enough seats to shape votes on laws and appointments.
The race has also raised questions among Republicans about Graham’s campaign and support. Polling has shown the candidates level, while Andrews had raised substantially more campaign money by mid-October.