Fox News updated its rating of the South Carolina U.S. Senate race on Tuesday, shifting the contest between Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews from “leans Republican” to “toss-up.” The change comes as recent polls show the candidates in a statistical dead heat.
The race has tightened significantly in the final days before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. A New York Times/Siena poll released Wednesday found Graham and Andrews tied at 48%, following other surveys that showed the two candidates nearly even. Fox News’ election forecaster stated the race is now “uncomfortably close.”
Graham, who was appointed to the seat in July by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster after her brother, former Sen. Lindsey Graham, died, has faced a competitive challenge from Andrews. The Senate Leadership Fund, a major Republican campaign group, spent $5 million in early October to bolster Graham’s campaign, indicating national Republicans viewed the race as potentially vulnerable.
Recent polling averages compiled by RealClearPolling showed Graham leading by an average of 2.4 percentage points as of Thursday. However, conservative-leaning pollster Trafalgar Group found Graham ahead by just 1.1 points in a September survey (43.4% to 42.3%), while an InsiderAdvantage poll from Sept. 10 showed Graham leading by two points (45.1% to 43.2%). An Impact Research survey from mid-August had the candidates tied at 41%.
President Donald Trump held a rally in South Carolina on Thursday, urging voters to support Graham and preserve Republican control of Congress. Trump repeated his claim that Republicans maintaining control of the Senate and House would result in a $5,000 payment to every U.S. adult, while also praising the economy and criticizing Democratic policies. He also reiterated allegations regarding Rep. Ilhan Omar, stating she should resign over claims about her name.
The race remains one of the most closely watched contests in the midterm elections, with both parties emphasizing turnout in the final stretch.