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Democrat Annie Andrews’ South Carolina Senate bid received fresh attention after the death of her original opponent, longtime Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, triggered an unexpected special election and a scramble for the GOP nomination. The contest shifted again on Monday, July 20, when interim Sen. Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, announced she would seek a full six-year term with President Donald Trump’s endorsement. As Republicans battle through a crowded primary, reports suggest that the upheaval could create an opening for Andrews in a state that has long favored the GOP.
Lindsey Graham’s death reshapes South Carolina Senate race
Andrews entered the race expecting to challenge Lindsey Graham, who had represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2003 and had already secured the Republican nomination before his death on July 11. His passing forced Republicans into an emergency special election, creating the state’s first open U.S. Senate seat in decades. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to complete her brother’s remaining term, with many Republicans initially viewing her as a caretaker senator.
However, that changed after Trump endorsed her in a Truth Social post, saying there would be “nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey,” and giving her his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”
On Monday, Darline Graham confirmed her candidacy during an appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, saying, “I’ve made a decision. I’m in.”
Annie Andrews seeks advantage amid unsettled Republican nomination
The Republican nomination remains unsettled, with a special primary scheduled for August 11 and a runoff on August 25 if no candidate secures a majority. Andrews argued that the Republican contest allows her campaign to focus on building support among independents, suburban voters and moderate Republicans without facing an intraparty battle. “The events of this weekend changed who I’m running against, but it didn’t change who I’m running for,” Andrews told Newsweek last week.
The 45-year-old pediatrician and mother of three has also pointed to a June internal poll conducted by Impact Research showing the late Sen. Lindsey Graham leading her by just 48% to 45% before his death, suggesting a more competitive race than many expected.
Fragmented GOP field
The dynamics of the Republican primary might ultimately determine Andrews’ chances in November. An Emerson College poll conducted after Lindsey Graham’s death but before Darline Graham announced her candidacy showed no clear Republican leader. Rep. Ralph Norman led with 16% support, followed by businessman Mark Lynch at 13%. Lt. Gove. Pamela Evette and Rep. Nancy Mace, who has since ruled out a run, each received 10%, while Rep. Russell Fry polled at 9%. Darline Graham registered 6% support, with 18% of respondents still undecided.
The poll highlights a fractured Republican electorate, and political scientist Justin Vaughn of Coastal Carolina University told Newsweek that the compressed election calendar is likely to benefit candidates with statewide name recognition, financial resources and, most importantly, Trump’s endorsement. How long it takes for Republican support to consolidate could determine how much opportunity Andrews has to build momentum before the general election.
Republican support remains substantial
Despite the changing field, South Carolina continues to lean heavily Republican, according to reports. Notably, the state has not elected a Democratic senator since 1998 and last backed a Democratic presidential nominee in 1976, when Jimmy Carter carried the state. Trump won South Carolina by 18 percentage points in 2024 after victories of nearly 12 points in 2020 and 14 points in 2016. According to Vaughn, South Carolina remains a “strong Republican state,” with the Senate seat still viewed as a safe Republican hold.
Prediction markets echo that outlook. Before Darline Graham entered the race, Kalshi gave Republicans roughly an 85% chance of retaining the seat, while Polymarket placed GOP odds above 80%.
