The Senate Leadership Fund is injecting $5 million into South Carolina to shore up Republican Senator Darline Graham as polls show a statistical tie with Democrat Annie Andrews. Graham, appointed after her brother Lindsey Graham's death, has been heavily outspent by Andrews, a pediatrician who has poured $6.1 million into ads since September. The GOP's defensive shift coincides with Donald Trump escalating personal attacks, using an anti-transgender slur against Andrews on social media.
Other Senate Leadership Fund spending
- ▪The Senate Leadership Fund has launched a new advertising campaign in Kansas to support Republican Senator Roger Marshall as that race has tightened against Democrat Adam Hamilton
- ▪The Senate Leadership Fund canceled its advertising spending in North Carolina's Senate race, where Republican Michael Whatley is lagging behind Democrat Roy Cooper in polls
South Carolina Senate polls
- ▪A poll from the GOP-leaning firm Rasmussen Reports released in September 2026 showed Republican Darline Graham leading by five points in the South Carolina Senate race
- ▪Two separate polls from Trafalgar and InsiderAdvantage released around late September or early October 2026 showed Republican Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews in a statistical tie in South Carolina
South Carolina campaign fundraising and spending
- ▪Democratic candidate Annie Andrews' campaign has spent $6.1 million on advertisements since the beginning of September 2026, according to ad-tracking firm AdImpact
- ▪Republican Darline Graham's campaign has not spent any significant funds on advertisements since winning the Republican primary runoff in August 2026
- ▪Democratic candidate Annie Andrews' campaign has been largely financed with $3.6 million in campaign contributions bundled by the 314 Action Fund
- ▪Republican Darline Graham is struggling with fundraising compared to her Democratic opponent Annie Andrews, who is outraising and outspending Graham in the South Carolina Senate race
Donald Trump's attack on Annie Andrews
- ▪Former South Carolina Governor David Beasley, a Republican, described Donald Trump's social media comments attacking Democratic candidate Annie Andrews as a disgrace
- ▪Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday, October 5, 2026, using an anti-transgender slur to attack Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the South Carolina Senate race
Transgender issues in the race
- ▪The outside Republican group Security is Strength launched an attack advertisement against Democratic candidate Annie Andrews on Monday, October 5, 2026, focusing on transgender issues
- ▪Democratic candidate Annie Andrews has stated she does not support gender transition surgery for minors but previously opposed a bill banning transgender athletes in sports
Debatable claims
- ▪South Carolina is a realistic pickup opportunity for Senate Democrats
- ▪Focusing on transgender issues is an effective campaign strategy for Republicans
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