The 2026 South Carolina Senate race is being decided tonight, with Republican Sen. Darline Graham facing Democrat Annie Andrews. Polls closed at 7 p.m. EST, and Decision Desk HQ is providing live results.
Graham, who was appointed to the Senate in July after the unexpected death of her brother, former Sen. Lindsey Graham, is now seeking a full term. She won a special primary earlier this year to secure the GOP nomination, while Andrews emerged as the Democratic challenger.
The contest has drawn national attention, given the unusual circumstances of Lindsey Graham's death and the high stakes for control of the Senate. Republicans are hoping to hold the seat, while Democrats see an opportunity to flip it in a state that has trended reliably red in recent cycles.
Darline Graham has campaigned on continuing her brother's legacy, emphasizing his work on defense, foreign policy, and judicial confirmations. She has also focused on economic issues, including inflation and energy independence, which have been central themes in the state's political discourse.
Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and public health advocate, has built her campaign around healthcare accessibility, education funding, and rural economic development. She has sought to cast herself as a pragmatic problem-solver who can bridge partisan divides, while also criticizing Graham as an inheritor of a political dynasty rather than a proven leader.
The race has also been shaped by broader national trends, including record-high gas prices on Election Day, which have weighed on voter sentiment and given Democrats an opening to attack the GOP's handling of the economy. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has deployed election monitors across all 50 states, including South Carolina, to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
Turnout is expected to be strong, with both campaigns investing heavily in get-out-the-vote efforts. Early voting numbers have been robust, and election officials have reported no major irregularities so far, though recent incidents of white-powder mailings to election offices have heightened security concerns nationwide.
If Graham wins, she will serve the remainder of the term and then be up for re-election in 2028. If Andrews pulls off an upset, she would become the first Democrat to represent South Carolina in the Senate since Fritz Hollings left office in 2005.
Results are expected to come in gradually, with rural precincts reporting first and urban areas following. Decision Desk HQ will update the live map as returns are tabulated.
For more context on the race, see our preview of the Graham-Andrews matchup and coverage of other key Senate and House contests across the country.
