South Carolina Senate Race Deadlocked: Survey Shows Tight Contest
Recent polls indicate a near tie between Democratic candidate Annie Andrews and Republican incumbent Darline Graham, with election day just a week away.
The South Carolina Senate race is indeed shaping up to be a tightly contested battle between Democrat Annie Andrews and Republican incumbent Darline Graham. With Election Day less than a week away, recent polls show a near dead heat, with both candidates holding around 48% support among likely voters according to a New York Times/Siena University poll 2. This close margin underscores the significance of every vote, particularly in a state where independent voters are showing a clear preference for Andrews—57% to 37% 1.
Annie Andrews, a pediatrician from Charleston, has positioned herself as a progressive voice advocating for a public healthcare option and more affordable prescription drugs 1. Her platform resonates with many voters concerned about healthcare access and costs. In contrast, Darline Graham, who was appointed to the Senate seat following her brother’s death in July, has taken a more conservative stance, opposing abortion rights and supporting immediate deportation of undocumented immigrants 1. Her political journey has been marked by a strong alignment with traditional Republican values, which has drawn both support and criticism.
The campaign has also seen high-profile involvement, with Donald Trump visiting South Carolina to campaign for Graham, where he labeled Andrews as 'extreme' 1. This endorsement highlights the national attention the race is receiving, as it could influence broader political dynamics in the upcoming elections.
Despite Graham’s slight edge in some polls, a significant portion of voters—51%—believe she lacks the necessary experience to serve effectively as a senator 1. This sentiment may impact her ability to secure a decisive victory, especially among undecided or independent voters. As the final days of the campaign unfold, the outcome remains uncertain, with both candidates working to solidify their bases and sway undecided voters. The result of this race could have implications not only for South Carolina but also for the balance of power in the Senate.
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 73%, weighted across 10 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- confirmed The South Carolina Senate race is a close contest between Annie Andrews, a Democrat, and Darline Graham, the Republican incumbent. (85%)
- likely Annie Andrews is a pediatrician from Charleston who advocates for a public option and cheaper prescription drugs. (71%)
- likely Darline Graham was appointed to the Senate seat after her brother's death in July. (71%)
- likely Darline Graham opposes abortion rights and supports immediate deportation of illegal immigrants. (71%)
- likely In a poll, 51% of voters said Graham lacks the right experience to be an effective senator. (71%)
- likely Independents prefer Andrews over Graham by 57% to 37%. (71%)
- likely Donald Trump visited South Carolina to campaign for Graham and called Andrews 'extreme'. (71%)
- likely Recent polls show a tight contest, with some giving Graham a slight edge. (71%)
- likely Both candidates have 48 percent support among likely voters according to a New York Times/Siena University poll. (71%)
- likely Election Day is less than a week away. (71%)
Sources
- The Guardian US — South Carolina tossup means state may elect Democrat to Senate for first time in 28 years
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/29/south-carolina-senate-tied-race - The Hill Senate — South Carolina Senate race deadlocked: Survey
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6177199-darline-graham-annie-andrews-south-carolina-senate-race-survey/