Polls have closed in South Carolina's U.S. Senate primary, with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) leading in the Republican race and Dr. Annie Andrews (D) projected to win the Democratic nomination. The results will determine the nominees for the November general election.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Graham's Lead in GOP Primary: Sen. Lindsey Graham holds a significant lead in the Republican primary, with 52% support in a recent Trafalgar Group poll, compared to 28% for his closest challenger, Mark Lynch. The remaining Republican candidates—Darius Mitchell, Pat Herrmann, Thomas Dismukes, and Calvin Cowen—trailed significantly. A runoff could occur if no candidate secures 50% of the vote.
Andrews Wins Democratic Primary: Dr. Annie Andrews, a Charleston pediatrician, is projected to win the Democratic primary with 45% support, according to a Citadel poll. Her opponents, Brandon Brown and Kyle Freeman, received 14% and 5%, respectively. Andrews previously ran for Congress in 2022 but lost to Rep. Nancy Mace (R).
Deeper Dive & Context
Graham's Reelection Bid: Graham, who has held the Senate seat since 2003, faces his first competitive primary challenge in years. His stance on U.S. involvement in Iran has drawn criticism from some Republican challengers, including Lynch, who advocates for an "America First" approach. Graham has defended his position, stating that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons justifies the costs.
Democratic Strategy: Andrews has framed her campaign as a challenge to Graham's long tenure, calling him a "career, corrupt, cowardly politician." She has emphasized the need for change in South Carolina, where no Democrat has won a statewide office since 2000. Brown, her primary opponent, also criticized Graham's record, arguing that he does not prioritize South Carolinians' interests.
Primary Dynamics: The Republican primary could see a runoff if Graham fails to secure 50% of the vote. The Citadel poll indicated 18% of voters were undecided, which could impact the outcome. Graham has the advantage of President Donald Trump's endorsement, significant fundraising, and name recognition.
November Outlook: Graham is favored to win the general election, given South Carolina's Republican leanings. However, Andrews' victory in the Democratic primary signals a competitive race, as she aims to mobilize voters disillusioned with Graham's tenure.