Andrews’ victory was a stunning result in a deeply red state that has not elected a Democratic senator this century. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, polling indicated that the battle, which months ago was expected to be a win for Republicans, had become a toss-up.
Political experts previously told TIME that the stakes of the South Carolina race changed significantly after former Sen. Lindsey Graham died in July. A month before his death, the longtime Republican Senator clinched the party’s nomination by double digits and was widely expected to win re-election in November.
Darline Graham speaks at a campaign event at the Beacon Drive-In in Spartanburg, S.C., on Nov. 2, 2026. Allison Joyce—Getty Images
But the field to replace Lindsey Graham as the GOP nominee was crowded, and no candidate in the special Republican primary in August earned enough of the vote. The two candidates who received the greatest portion of the vote—Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman—advanced to a runoff election later in August, which Darline Graham won by less than 5 points.
Darline Graham criticized over lack of political experience
Darline Graham, who had never held an elected office prior to taking over her late brother’s seat, has also been criticized for her minimal political background, particularly after what many described as a poor debate performance against Norman ahead of the runoff over the summer. When she was asked a question about Taiwan and the South China Sea, Darline Graham replied by saying “I’m not that informed on national security,” sparking backlash from members of her own party.
Andrews, a pediatrician, secured the Democratic nomination in June, winning the primary by double digits. She secured bipartisan endorsements leading up to Election Day, including from two former governors in the state, one of whom is a Democrat and the other a Republican, who were featured in a campaign video for Andrews.
Political experts have also pointed to Andrews’ fundraising success, while Darline Graham’s campaign faced fundraising challenges.
The Senator-elect also makes history as the first woman from South Carolina to be elected to the upper chamber. While Darline Graham is currently serving in the Senate, she wasn’t elected to the role, but rather was appointed by the state’s governor.
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