Democrat Annie Andrews secured the victory over Republican incumbent Darline Graham by championing working-family costs, affordable healthcare, reproductive rights, and an end to foreign conflicts. Graham, who took office after the death of her brother Lindsey Graham, faced voter skepticism regarding her qualifications following a debate stumble on national security. Even high-profile campaign appearances by Donald Trump in the final month failed to consolidate conservative support. Ultimately, Andrews outpaced her opponent's campaign war chest by over $22 million to flip the seat.
Key points
The election marks the first Democratic U.S. Senate victory in South Carolina in more tha…: The election marks the first Democratic U.S. Senate victory in South Carolina in more than two decades.
Graham struggled to mobilize the conservative base after facing criticism over her qualif…: Graham struggled to mobilize the conservative base after facing criticism over her qualifications and debate remarks about national security.
Andrews successfully flipped the reliably red seat by centering her platform on healthcar…: Andrews successfully flipped the reliably red seat by centering her platform on healthcare access, family affordability, and reproductive freedoms.
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In a historic race, Andrews beats Republican incumbent Darline Graham, the sister of late Lindsey Graham.
Charleston, South Carolina, US – South Carolina has elected a Democrat to the US Senate for the first time since 1998, according to Associated Press news agency projections. In a major upset for the Republican Party, Annie Andrews won in a state seen as a solid Republican stronghold.
“I think we just made some history,” Andrews said on Tuesday night after results came in.
Andrews outraised Republican candidate Darline Graham by more than $22m, according to Federal Election Commission filings, primarily with grassroots donations. She had pledged to take no money from corporate political action committees (PACs).
Andrews campaigned on lowering costs for working families, expanding affordable healthcare and protecting reproductive rights, and on opposing endless wars.
South Carolina flips
Despite South Carolina being reliably conservative, many voters, including Republicans, believed Graham to be unqualified.
After Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly in July, his younger sister, Darline, was appointed to serve out the remainder of his term. She went on to win a…
The historic flip in the Lone Star State arrived alongside an upset defeat of Governor Greg Abbott, securing full congressional control for Democrats. Grounding his platform in his religious background, the former educator focused on everyday affordability to overcome a deeply funded conservative apparatus. Widespread voter fatigue regarding consumer prices and foreign conflict ultimately unseated the scandal-plagued Republican establishment.
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