Pediatrician Annie Andrews has achieved a stunning victory in the South Carolina Senate race, defeating Republican Darline Graham to claim a seat that has not been held by a Democrat since 1964. The district was previously occupied by the late Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of Donald Trump, and before him, segregationist Strom Thurmond. Several news outlets called the race for Andrews shortly after 10:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Andrews announced her candidacy in 2025, citing her motivation as a response to President Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, whom she described as her "professional arch-nemesis." Her campaign began against Lindsey Graham more than a year prior to his unexpected death in July. Following his passing, his sister Darline Graham was appointed to fill the vacancy and subsequently secured the GOP nomination.
Darline Graham's campaign strategy involved highlighting her lack of political experience, famously stating on a primary debate stage that she was "not that informed on national security" and declaring, "I don't speak politician." In contrast, Andrews maintained a focus on cost of living and quality of life issues, including healthcare, data centers, and diesel prices. Speaking to Rolling Stone earlier this year, Andrews emphasized her background within the healthcare system, noting that she witnessed firsthand how broken policies from Washington were harming patients and their families.
Beyond healthcare, Andrews highlighted potential bipartisan collaboration, particularly regarding the unchecked development of data centers in rural communities. She argued that both Republicans and Democrats oppose these facilities, which often lack transparency regarding their economic and environmental impacts while overwhelming local areas. Her victory is part of a broader wave of Democratic wins in the midterms, echoing warnings once made by her late opponent Lindsey Graham in 2016 regarding the nomination of Donald Trump.
Sources: Rolling Stone.