Senator Lindsey Graham is cruising toward a comfortable victory in Tuesday's Republican primary in South Carolina, positioning himself for a fourth term in the Senate. The veteran lawmaker faces challenger Mark Lynch in the GOP contest, while pediatrician Annie Andrews emerges as the frontrunner on the Democratic side.
Polls across the state close at 7 p.m. EDT, and the race is being closely watched as a test of Donald Trump's influence in South Carolina politics. Graham, once a fierce critic of the former president, has since aligned closely with Trump on key issues, a shift that has solidified his standing among the GOP base.
Lynch, a little-known challenger, has struggled to gain traction against Graham's well-funded campaign and established name recognition. The senator has consistently led in polling and fundraising, making an upset unlikely.
On the Democratic side, Andrews, a pediatrician and political newcomer, has built a campaign centered on healthcare and education. She faces a primary field that includes several lesser-known candidates, but her professional background and moderate messaging have given her an edge.
Graham's expected advance comes as the Republican Party grapples with internal divisions over Trump's continued sway. The South Carolina race is one of several primaries Tuesday that will test the durability of Trump's endorsements and the broader political landscape ahead of the midterms.
The outcome in South Carolina could also signal how voters are responding to Graham's evolution from a bipartisan dealmaker to a Trump ally. His support for the former president's 2020 election challenges and his role in blocking Democratic priorities have energized conservatives but alienated some moderates.
For Democrats, Andrews' candidacy represents a long-shot bid to flip a seat in a deeply red state. However, national Democrats have not poured significant resources into the race, focusing instead on more competitive contests elsewhere.
As results roll in, Decision Desk HQ is providing live updates from South Carolina and other states holding primaries Tuesday. The data team is tracking turnout and vote counts to deliver timely analysis.
The primary also comes amid broader political turmoil, including ongoing fallout from the Graham-Platner scandal, which has exposed partisan tensions over abuse allegations. While not directly related to the Senate race, the controversy has added to the charged atmosphere surrounding Tuesday's contests.
With polls closed and counting underway, Graham's path to victory appears clear. The final results will likely reinforce his position as a fixture in South Carolina politics, while setting the stage for a general election battle that Democrats hope to make competitive.
