Trump’s Senate Pick Faces a Tight Race in South Carolina

Darline Graham’s campaign for a full Senate term is facing an unexpectedly close contest in South Carolina, where recent polls have placed her even with Democratic challenger Annie Andrews. Republicans are concerned about the possibility of losing the seat, held for decades by Graham’s late brother, Lindsey Graham, who died in July, aged 71, due to a rare heart condition.

Trump selected Darline Graham to fill the vacancy and urged her to seek a full term. He has held multiple events for her, including a recent rally in Rock Hill, and has attacked Andrews over her positions on social issues and other matters. Graham received 52.5 percent of the vote in the Republican runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, who took 47.6 percent.

Norman has questioned Graham’s readiness and said his Republican family would not vote for her. He argued Trump’s presence in South Carolina reflected concern about her poll numbers. Graham had never held elected office before her appointment and has faced criticism over her campaign experience and fundraising. She has said that her new Senate responsibilities made it difficult to leave Washington and campaign.

Andrews, a pediatrician and former congressional candidate, has criticized Graham as an insider and emphasized her own experience as a mother and doctor. More than 100 South Carolina Republicans have publicly supported Andrews, while Republican figures including Sen. Tim Scott have backed Graham. The state Republican Party also directed an additional $5 million toward Graham’s campaign last month. The election will determine who holds the seat for a full term.

Trump’s Handpicked Candidate Puts a Safe Senate Seat at Risk

A Senate seat long held by Republicans is suddenly competitive after Trump installed Darline Graham as its temporary occupant and pressed her to run for a full term. Recent polls show Graham tied with Democrat Annie Andrews, intensifying concern among Republicans in a state Trump won by 18 points two years ago.

Graham had never held elected office before her appointment and has faced questions about her campaign experience and fundraising. Trump has repeatedly campaigned for her, while attacking Andrews over social issues. At one rally, Graham spoke briefly and praised the president. Her close contest has prompted criticism from within her own party, including former primary opponent Ralph Norman, who questions whether she has earned voters’ support.

Andrews, a pediatrician and former congressional candidate, has focused on her work and family experience and accused Graham of being an insider. More than 100 South Carolina Republicans have publicly backed Andrews. Trump’s involvement and the extra $5 million the state GOP directed to Graham’s campaign underline the stakes for party leaders trying to protect the seat. The election will decide whether voters give Graham a full term or choose Andrews instead.

Democrats See an Opening as Trump’s Senate Pick Faces a Test

Democrats are mounting a serious challenge in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1998, with polls now showing Annie Andrews tied with Republican Darline Graham. Trump has stepped in repeatedly to support Graham, whom he selected to fill the seat after Lindsey Graham’s death and encouraged to seek a full term.

Graham won the Republican runoff against Ralph Norman, taking 52.5 percent to his 47.6 percent. Norman has since questioned her candidacy and said his family will not vote for her. But Republican leaders including Sen. Tim Scott have rallied behind Graham, and the state party has added $5 million to her campaign. Trump has criticized Andrews over her positions on social issues and other policy matters.

Andrews, a pediatrician and former congressional candidate, has presented herself as an experienced alternative and criticized Graham as an insider. Graham has acknowledged the strain of balancing her new Senate duties with campaigning. The close race puts a seat Republicans have held for decades in jeopardy, and voters will decide whether Graham can secure a full term.