Annie Andrews believes she can flip South Carolina Senate seat

In South Carolina, the special primary election was held to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 11, 2026. The primary saw Republicans Darline Graham and Ralph Norman advance to a runoff after neither candidate secured the required 50 percent of the vote. Darline Graham, despite being endorsed by former President Donald Trump, received only 32.6 percent of the votes, while Norman garnered 24 percent. On the Democratic side, pediatrician Annie Andrews won her nomination unopposed in June, positioning herself to compete in the upcoming general election scheduled for November.

The political landscape in South Carolina has historically favored Republicans, with the state last voting for a Democratic presidential candidate in 1976. Recent elections have shown significant victories for Republican candidates, including Trump's wins by double digits in the last three presidential elections. However, Andrews is optimistic about her chances, citing a growing discontent among voters regarding the Republican Party's shift to the right and its alignment with Trump. She believes that the absence of an incumbent in the race could provide an opportunity for Democrats to gain ground.

Polling data indicates that Republicans currently have a strong chance of winning the seat, with prediction markets showing an 87 percent probability on Kalshi and 91 percent on Polymarket. Despite these odds, Andrews remains confident that her grassroots fundraising efforts and the concerns she hears from voters will resonate in the election. She argues that the Republican candidates are out of touch with the electorate, particularly on issues like rising gas prices, which could sway undecided voters in her favor.

As the runoff approaches on August 25, the dynamics of the race will continue to evolve. The outcome of this election could be pivotal, not only for South Carolina but also for the broader political landscape as both parties vie for control in a state that has been a Republican stronghold for decades. The upcoming months will be crucial for Andrews as she seeks to mobilize support and challenge the Republican candidates in a state that has historically leaned conservative.