South Carolina voters are watching a closely contested Senate race as Republican Sen. Darline Graham continues to lead Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews in the latest polling. The race, which could determine the party balance in the U.S. Senate, has drawn significant attention from national political action committees eager to keep the seat in GOP hands.
Polling shows a modest but improving Republican edge
Rasmussen Reports released a poll of 837 likely voters conducted Oct. 5‑8, showing Graham ahead 49% to 45% with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points. This marks a slight improvement from the same pollster’s September numbers, which had Graham at 48% and Andrews at 43%. The upward movement suggests Graham’s campaign is gaining traction as early voting begins.
InsiderAdvantage’s earlier poll, conducted Sept. 28‑29, reported a statistical tie at 46%‑45% within a ±2.8% margin of error. The poll also noted that nearly 10% of Republicans indicated they would vote for the Democrat, a “hangover” from support for former GOP contender Ralph Norman. Nonetheless, the pollster emphasized that Republicans are roughly ten points more enthusiastic about the race than Democrats, a factor that could translate into higher turnout for Graham.
Early voting and election timeline
In‑person voting opens Monday of next week and runs through Oct. 31, giving voters ample opportunity to cast ballots before Election Day on Nov. 3. The special election was triggered by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham on July 11, after which Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of the term in the 119th Congress.
Darline Graham, who won a special‑election primary to take her late brother’s place on the ballot, is now seeking a full six‑year term. Her campaign highlights a record of conservative values, support for traditional families, and a commitment to protecting individual liberty—principles that resonate strongly with South Carolina’s electorate.
Historical context and party stakes
The South Carolina Senate seat has not been held by a Democrat since the historic party switch of Sen. Strom Thurmond on Sept. 16, 1964. Republicans currently control 53 seats in the U.S. Senate, and this race is one of 35 contests—including two special elections—on the November ballot.
Super PACs and national GOP organizations have shifted resources to ensure the seat remains Republican, reflecting the strategic importance of maintaining the party’s Senate majority. While the race remains competitive, the polling trends and higher Republican enthusiasm suggest Graham is well positioned to retain the seat for the GOP.
What voters should know
Voters should note the polling dates, sample sizes, and margins of error when evaluating the numbers. Rasmussen’s poll surveyed likely voters over four days in early October, while InsiderAdvantage’s poll was conducted over two days in late September. Both polls reflect a snapshot of voter sentiment and are not definitive predictions.
As early voting gets underway, both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach, emphasizing their respective visions for South Carolina’s future. Graham’s platform focuses on economic growth, limited government, and defending constitutional freedoms, while Andrews advocates for expanded healthcare access and investment in education.
South Carolinians are encouraged to participate in the upcoming early voting period and to stay informed about each candidate’s positions as the race heads toward the November 3 election.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
