The race for the Senate in South Carolina is becoming increasingly competitive, as early election results show a surprising trend. Democratic contender Annie Andrews has taken a lead against Republican Sen. Darline Graham, marking a significant moment in a state where Republicans have held sway for decades.
As per the latest tallies, Andrews has garnered 237,499 votes, amounting to 50.8% of the vote, while Graham trails closely with 223,255 votes or 47.7%. An independent candidate, Kasie Whitener, is far behind with just 3,582 votes, or 0.8%.
Currently, around 23.1% of the projected vote has been counted, giving Andrews a lead of 14,244 votes. However, no winner has yet been declared, as it’s still early in the counting process.
This shift is particularly notable in a state that President Donald Trump won by nearly 18 percentage points in the last presidential election. Since 1964, Republicans have maintained control over this Senate seat, making the prospect of a Democratic victory especially impactful.
Recent polling prior to Election Day indicated that the traditionally Republican stronghold was tightening. Graham had a slim lead, varying between 2-3 points over Andrews, with results showing 48% for Graham against 45.4% for Andrews.
The campaign dynamics shifted following the death of longstanding Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham in July, which led to Graham’s sister being appointed to fill the vacancy ahead of the election. Despite endorsements from Trump, the campaign faced scrutiny over her qualifications.
In contrast, Andrews, a pediatrician from Charleston with prior campaign experience, has emphasized healthcare and economic issues. She has made significant efforts to connect with voters across the state.
As the Republican party rallies support, including endorsements from figures like Sen. Tim Scott, the stakes are high for retaining control of the Senate. A Democratic victory would signify a major transition in a state where GOP candidates have consistently succeeded in recent years.
With more than three-quarters of the expected vote still yet to be counted, though, the current Democratic lead does not guarantee the election outcome. For the moment, Andrews’ position as frontrunner is notable as officials continue to tally votes in this closely watched contest.
