South Carolina Senate Seat Flips as Andrews Tops Appointed Graham
Democrat Annie Andrews has been projected the winner over Republican Senator Darline Graham in South Carolina, flipping a seat that had stayed in Republican hands for more than two decades. Decision Desk HQ called the race for Andrews on Election Night as results showed her leading by roughly four points with the large majority of votes counted.
Darline Graham stepped into the seat in July after the sudden death of her brother, longtime Senator Lindsey Graham. Governor Henry McMaster appointed her to finish the term, and she later secured the Republican nomination for a full six-year term. Andrews, a Charleston-area pediatrician, ran a well-funded campaign and overcame the state’s usual Republican lean to pull off the upset.
The race stayed competitive through the fall. Graham entered with limited prior elected experience after years heading the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.
Outside groups from both parties spent heavily in the closing weeks, and polls had tightened in the final stretch. With most precincts reporting, Andrews held the edge that proved decisive.