Andrews Flips South Carolina Senate Seat in Major Upset
The 45-year-old pediatrician defeated incumbent Darline Graham despite heavy Republican spending and a state that voted for Trump by 18 points in 2024.
By Elena Vargas ·
Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Republican incumbent Darline Graham to win the South Carolina Senate seat, a result that flips a seat the party has not held since 1998. The victory gives Democrats an unexpected gain as they seek to change control of the chamber.
Andrews, 45, ran a campaign focused on healthcare access, affordability, and fighting corruption in Washington. She challenged Graham, 62, who was appointed to finish the term of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, following his sudden death in July. Graham previously served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and won a special primary to secure the nomination for a full six-year term.
The race became far more competitive than initial projections suggested. Andrews highlighted Graham’s lack of experience, citing the incumbent’s admission during the primary that she was "not that informed on national security." This criticism resonated in a state that President Trump won by 18 points in the 2024 election.
Republican organizations spent heavily to protect the seat. The Senate Leadership Fund contributed money in October, while MAGA Inc., a super PAC controlled by President Trump, provided $827,000 in August. Trump also campaigned extensively for Graham after encouraging her to run for the position.
Despite these financial and political efforts, the support was not enough to overcome the momentum of Andrews’ campaign. The outcome stands as a notable shift in the balance of power for the upcoming legislative session.
Source: CBS News
