South Carolina’s Senate election, which Democrats heavily invested in to flip, has been called.
Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews has defeated Republican Sen. Darline Graham.
Darline Graham replaced her brother, longtime Senator Lindsey Graham, following his death in July.
South Carolina GOP Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her before she won the Republican nomination in an August runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman.
President Donald Trump endorsed Graham and repeatedly visited South Carolina to campaign for her.
He told supporters, “Everybody respects her. She’s smart and incredible. She’ll never let you down.”
Trump described Graham as a candidate focused on affordability, contrasting her priorities with her late brother’s international interests.
He also argued that continued Republican control would help advance his administration’s economic agenda.
At a Rock Hill rally, Trump declared, “our economy is roaring,” while warning against Democratic congressional control.
BREAKING: The Fox News Decision Desk can project that Democrat Annie Andrews will win South Carolina’s Senate race, defeating Republican Senator Darline Graham, who ran in honor of her late brother, Lindsey Graham.
Democrats didn’t invest heavily in this race, but poor turnout for Graham in conservative areas has allowed Andrews to flip a state that hasn’t elected a Democratic senator for nearly 30 years.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 4, 2026
The president acknowledged that electoral outcomes remained uncertain and urged supporters not to become complacent.
Trump previously visited Myrtle Beach during the Republican primary runoff and offered Graham an important public endorsement.
Trump added, “Just say that I’m on the ballot one more time.”
Trump defended Graham when critics questioned her experience with international security issues during the primary campaign.
South Carolina Republican Senator Tim Scott has also publicly supported Graham’s candidacy.
Scott praised her early Senate activity and said she had helped advance legislation within her first three months.
Scott called Graham “a powerhouse” while discussing legislation her late brother originally developed.
Scott also described Graham as “a true conservative” and praised her work for South Carolina.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a South Carolina native, spoke in Graham’s support during an October campaign event.
Bessent said Graham and Trump offered hope for the country during his October campaign appearance.
Graham has emphasized conservative positions on immigration enforcement, firearms, abortion, and cultural policy.
She has also stressed affordability and domestic concerns as priorities for her Senate service.
The incumbent told supporters, “I am a proud conservative Christian who will fight every single day for your family.”
Her campaign has sought to distinguish Andrews’s policy positions from those of South Carolina’s conservative electorate.
Former Republican Governor David Beasley endorsed Andrews, demonstrating that endorsements do not divide entirely along party lines.
Graham’s supporters emphasize Trump’s backing, Scott’s praise, and her short record in the Senate.
Her opponents point to her limited prior electoral experience and question some of her policy statements.
She told primary supporters, “Now, the critics say I shouldn’t run for the Senate.”
She followed that criticism with, “They say I’m not a politician.”
Graham then answered, “Guilty as charged,” drawing applause from the crowd.
Her campaign argues that outsider experience can coexist with conservative priorities and effective representation.
South Carolina has not elected a Democrat to the United States Senate since 1998.
That history underscores the significance of Andrews’s challenge without resolving the outcome of this election.
Republicans entered the midterms holding a 53-seat Senate majority, making each contested seat important.
A Graham victory would preserve Republican representation in this seat for another six-year term.
An Andrews victory would represent a major political change for the state and national Senate arithmetic.
Trump’s repeated appearances demonstrate the administration’s attention to keeping this seat in Republican hands.
Scott’s endorsement gives Graham support from South Carolina’s other sitting United States senator.
Bessent’s remarks add another prominent administration voice to the Republican campaign effort.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
