2026 Midterms · U.S. Senate · South Carolina Likely R
South Carolina — U.S. Senate
Following the death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on July 11, 2026, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham, to fill the seat. Darline Graham then secured the Republican nomination by winning an August 25 special primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, setting up a general election matchup against Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who won the Democratic primary in June. Andrews' platform focuses on healthcare access, family cost reductions, reproductive freedom, public education, and gun violence prevention, while Graham's campaign emphasizes her three-decade career in workforce development, fiscal protection of taxpayer dollars, and conservative values endorsed by Donald Trump. Major handicappers rate the election as Solid Republican (Cook Political Report) or Likely Republican (Decision Desk HQ, Inside Elections).
The pulse
updated Sep 16Economy & Fiscal Responsibility
high salienceAndrews focuses on federal action to lower daily household costs for working families, whereas Graham emphasizes fiscal stewardship of taxpayer dollars and expanding job placement opportunities based on her state agency record.
Democratic Annie Andrews
Supports economy for working people
Andrews focuses on lowering costs for everyday family expenses such as groceries and child care. She advocates for economic policies designed to support working families and address rising living expenses.
- Reduce the cost of groceries and essential household expenses.
- Make child care more affordable for working families.
- Promote economic policies focused on working people rather than corporations.
“An Economy That Works for Working People”
“Whether it’s the cost of groceries, the price of child care, or access to affordable, quality healthcare, I see the impacts every day.”
Republican Darline Graham
Supports fiscal protection and workforce development
Graham highlights her career helping individuals with disabilities find employment and gain financial independence. She emphasizes her management experience reforming state agencies to protect taxpayer dollars and reduce inefficiency.
- Protect taxpayer dollars by turning around inefficient government agencies.
- Promote job placement and vocational rehabilitation to help citizens support their families.
- Oversee state agency operations with fiscal discipline, drawing on her experience managing a $90 million budget at the SC Commission for the Blind.
“Darline, who is fiercely protective of taxpayer dollars, helped turn around a struggling state agency known for inefficiency.”
“Darline has devoted her life to helping people find dignity through work – enabling them to contribute to society and support their families.”
Healthcare
high salienceDemocratic Annie Andrews
Supports universal healthcare access
Drawing on her nearly twenty years as a pediatrician, Andrews views healthcare as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. Her platform prioritizes making healthcare quality and affordable, with a special focus on pediatric health and youth mental health.
- Treat healthcare as a fundamental right for all citizens.
- Improve access to affordable, quality medical care for families.
- Expand mental health resources and pediatric healthcare services.
“Healthcare is a Right, Not a Privilege”
“I’ve spent nearly twenty years caring for South Carolina’s children, from newborns with jaundice to teenagers struggling with mental health.”
Reproductive Freedom
high salienceDemocratic Annie Andrews
Supports federal reproductive freedom protections
Andrews advocates for protecting reproductive freedom and trusting women to make their own healthcare choices. She frames reproductive rights as a core priority for South Carolina women and families.
- Protect reproductive freedom nationwide.
- Trust women and doctors to make personal healthcare decisions.
“Reproductive Freedom: Trust Women”
Gun Violence & Public Safety
medium salienceDemocratic Annie Andrews
Supports gun violence prevention legislation
As a pediatrician, Andrews views gun violence as a primary safety threat to children and communities. She advocates for federal measures to end gun violence and protect public safety.
- Enact legislative solutions to end gun violence.
- Protect children and communities from firearm injuries.
“An End to Gun Violence”
Education & Child Care
medium salienceDemocratic Annie Andrews
Supports public education and affordable child care
Andrews prioritizes strengthening public schools and reducing child care expenses for working parents. She treats education and early childhood care as essential investments for children's overall well-being.
- Increase support for strong public schools.
- Lower the cost of child care for working families.
“Strong Schools & Affordable Child Care”
Government Reform & Political Corruption
medium salienceDemocratic Annie Andrews
Supports anti-corruption and campaign finance reform
Andrews pledges to fight political corruption in Washington by refusing PAC money for her campaign. She argues that elected leaders should answer to families rather than special interests.
- Refuse contributions from corporate political action committees (PACs).
- Pass reforms to curb corruption and special-interest influence in Washington.
“Powered by People. NOT PACs.”
“Fighting Political Corruption”
Immigration & Border Security
medium salienceDemocratic Annie Andrews
Supports border security combined with humane treatment
Andrews advocates for immigration policies that pair effective border security measures with dignified and humane treatment for migrants.
- Maintain strong border security.
- Ensure immigration enforcement treats individuals with dignity.
“Immigration: Security with Dignity”
Technology & Child Safety
low salienceDemocratic Annie Andrews
Supports regulating tech companies to protect children
Andrews supports holding major technology companies accountable to safeguard children from online risks and harms.
- Implement regulatory standards on tech platforms to protect children online.
“Protecting Kids, Not Big Tech”
Foreign Policy & Defense
low salienceDemocratic Annie Andrews
Opposes military involvement in endless foreign wars
Andrews advocates for ending U.S. participation in prolonged foreign conflicts and redirecting national focus toward domestic priorities.
- End U.S. involvement in foreign military conflicts.
“No More Endless Wars”
Infrastructure & Transportation
low salienceDemocratic Annie Andrews
Supports modernizing transportation infrastructure
Andrews supports federal investments to modernize transportation systems and infrastructure across South Carolina.
- Invest in effective transportation and infrastructure networks.
“Transportation & Infrastructure that Works”
Prediction markets 5
updated Sep 16Polymarket ↗
South Carolina Senate Election Winner
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South Carolina Republican Senate special primary: 1st place (1st round)
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South Carolina Republican Senate special primary: 2nd place (1st Round)
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South Carolina Senate winner?
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South Carolina Republican Senate special primary winner?
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