<p>Republicans are noting signs of a competitive Senate race in South Carolina, where President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate, Darline Graham, is in a statistical tie with her Democratic opponent, Annie Andrews, less than a month before Election Day.</p>
<p>Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC), appointed to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham in July, is closely matched with Andrews in a state Trump won by 18 percentage points in 2024, according to polling averages from RealClearPolitics.</p>
<p>The race is tightening ahead of a crucial debate on Sunday, where Graham will face Andrews and Libertarian Kasie Whitener for the first and only time before early voting begins on October 19.</p>
<p>Despite the close polls, Republicans argue they are misleading, referencing similar polling in 2020 when Lindsey Graham ultimately defeated Democrat Jaime Harrison by a significant margin. Rep. William Timmons (R-SC) stated, “Darline wins by 10 [points]. Polling is nonsense. Same thing happened six years ago. It was nonsense then and it’s nonsense now.”</p>
<p>Timmons recalled that in the final days of the 2020 race, Quinnipiac University published surveys showing Graham and Harrison tied, yet Graham won reelection by over 10 percentage points.</p>
<p>Even if the polls are more accurate this time, Republicans assert their infrastructure in South Carolina is stronger than that of Democrats, and an open governor’s race will help drive voter turnout.</p>
<p>However, South Carolina Republican strategist Dave Wilson highlighted a poll from the Republican-aligned Trafalgar Group showing Graham with only a 1-point lead over Andrews, expressing concern for the Graham campaign as the gap narrows.</p>
<p>Wilson noted, “Andrews is all over television in South Carolina... Graham is going to have to do the same thing if she’s going to maintain what has been a lead, but that is shrinking very fast.”</p>
<p>While money does not guarantee election success in South Carolina, as seen in 2020 when Harrison spent over $130 million and lost, Andrews has spent only $7 million thus far. Graham, meanwhile, lacks the incumbency advantage and name recognition that her late brother had.</p>
<p>Wilson commented, “Yes, you are the senator... but there’s not the track record of incumbency that we see with other candidates.”</p>
<p>The upcoming debate will be a significant test for Graham, who faced challenges in her primary debate against Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and made a notable gaffe regarding national security.</p>
<p>Wilson suggested that Whitener could play a pivotal role in the race by attracting votes from Republicans seeking an alternative, potentially benefiting Andrews.</p>
<p>Wilson predicted that Andrews and Whitener would likely collaborate against Graham during the debate, which could affect Graham’s performance and public perception.</p>
<p>Graham’s challenges mirror those of other Trump-endorsed candidates, such as Texas GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton, who is also in a close race with Democratic nominee James Talarico.</p>
<p>Former South Carolina GOP Rep. Bob Inglis expressed skepticism about Graham’s chances, stating, “I assume that Graham can win, but the [Make America Great Again] moment seems to be passing away.”</p>
<p>Trump reaffirmed his support for Graham on Monday, criticizing Andrews and emphasizing his view of Graham as a strong candidate.</p>
<p>Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokeswoman Monica Robinson countered that Graham’s campaign has been characterized by mistakes and support for policies negatively impacting South Carolinians.</p>