Democrat Annie Andrews Defeats Darline Graham in South Carolina, DDHQ Projects
The Democrat ousted Lindsey Graham’s sister, appointed to his seat after his death in July, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate race in the state since 1998.
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Democrat Annie Andrews has defeated Republican Senator Darline Graham in South Carolina, Decision Desk HQ projected. The call came at 9:54 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
NBC News also projected Andrews as the winner minutes later. The result flips a Senate seat in a reliably Republican state.
An Appointed Senator Falls
Darline Graham is the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11, 2026, at age 71. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to the seat two days later.
She was sworn in on July 14, becoming South Carolina’s first female senator. Her appointment ran until the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3, 2027.
With an estimated 69% of the vote counted, Andrews led 52.6% to 45.7%, Decision Desk HQ tallies showed.
First Democratic Win Since 1998
Andrews is the first Democrat to win a Senate race in South Carolina since Fritz Hollings in 1998. Hollings, the state’s last Democratic senator, retired in 2005.
The win adds to a strong night for Democrats. Decision Desk HQ earlier projected that Democrats will win the House, and Jon Ossoff held Georgia.
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