Democrat Annie Andrews pulled off one of the night’s biggest surprises, defeating Sen. Darline Graham and becoming the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from South Carolina in nearly three decades.
The victory capped an underdog campaign that Democrats increasingly viewed as a rare opportunity in a state that has been reliably Republican at the federal level for years.
Ms. Andrews, a pediatrician who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Nancy Mace in 2022, campaigned on lowering costs for gas, groceries, housing and healthcare.
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Ms. Graham had never held elected office before Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to complete the term of her late brother, longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly in July.
Entering Election Day, some Republicans worried she would lose the seat.
Critics seized on her debate performance and media appearances, which raised questions about her command of key issues, including foreign affairs.
Republicans sought to shore up the seat in the closing weeks.
The Senate Leadership Fund, the party’s leading Senate super PAC, planned to spend $5 million to boost Ms. Graham’s candidacy, while President Trump traveled to the state twice last month to boost her bid.
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