South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race is officially set, and the state is entering uncharted political territory. Darline Graham’s victory over Ralph Norman Tuesday created an unprecedented November contest featuring three female nominees with sharply different visions.
Graham defeated Norman with about 52% of the Republican runoff vote, securing the GOP nomination. Her victory followed a crowded special primary and an aggressive final campaign push.
She will face Democrat Annie Andrews and Libertarian Kasie Whitener in November.
The three-woman field marks a historic moment for South Carolina. It also guarantees a woman will win the seat in November.
Graham already made history after Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her following the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.
The appointment made her South Carolina’s first female U.S. senator.
Graham Runs on Trump’s Conservative Agenda
Graham entered politics with decades of experience working with South Carolinians with disabilities, rather than holding elected office.
Her campaign emphasizes conservative policies and close alignment with President Donald Trump, who strongly backed her runoff campaign.
Graham has focused heavily on immigration, affordability, election integrity and domestic issues. She also supports stronger voter identification requirements, gun rights and restrictions on abortion.
Trump’s endorsement became a defining feature of the Republican contest. His MAGA Inc. super PAC spent more than $800,000 supporting Graham.
Andrews Focuses on Healthcare and Working Families
Andrews offers voters a dramatically different platform.
The Charleston pediatrician has centered her campaign on healthcare affordability, lowering family costs, education and affordable childcare.
She supports reproductive rights and expanding access to healthcare. Andrews also backs stronger worker protections and higher wages.
Her platform calls for universal background checks and additional measures targeting gun violence.
On immigration, Andrews advocates for what her campaign describes as security paired with dignity. She also supports limiting prolonged U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts.
Andrews has also pledged not to accept corporate PAC contributions.
Whitener Offers a Libertarian Alternative
Whitener enters November attempting to provide an alternative to both major parties.
Her platform supports a balanced-budget amendment, reducing the national debt and shrinking government involvement in the economy.
She has also emphasized government oversight, eliminating protectionist policies, and giving individuals and businesses greater economic freedom.
That gives South Carolina voters three distinctly different political choices.
Graham represents a Trump-aligned conservative agenda. Andrews is campaigning on a family-focused Democratic platform, while Whitener offers a smaller-government Libertarian approach.
The winner will receive a full six-year U.S. Senate term.
South Carolina has historically leaned heavily Republican in statewide federal elections. However, the unusual circumstances surrounding this race have created a contest unlike any previous Senate election in state history.
