In brief
NBC News projections carried by Xinhua indicate Democrat Annie Andrews will defeat Republican Darline Graham, marking the first Democratic Senate win in South Carolina since 1998. Reuters confirms Andrews’ victory as a 28‑year gap closure, noting Trump’s endorsement of Graham and spending parity did not prevent the upset. The win advances Democrats closer to a Senate majority amid growing voter dissatisfaction with President Trump’s economic handling.
Democrat Annie Andrews is projected to win South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat, a rare Democratic triumph the first since 1998, according to NBC News projections reported by Xinhua on November 4, 2026.
Xinhua notes that the projection came after NBC’s analysis of early returns, showing Andrews beating Republican Darline Graham, who was appointed earlier in 2026 to fill the seat vacated by the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham.
Reuters corroborates the projection, reporting that Andrews, a pediatrician, has upset the Republicans by winning the seat in a state the president had carried by 18 percentage points two years ago. The outlet adds that Andrews is the first Democrat to win a South Carolina Senate seat in 28 years and that the victory pushes Democrats one seat closer to a Senate majority.
Reuters also details campaign financing: Andrews out‑raised Graham by $22 million, while outside groups poured $27 million to hold the seat and $24 million to flip it. Trump’s endorsement of Graham and a rally in the state last week are noted, yet they could not sway the electorate.
These developments reflect a broader shift, with voters expressing discontent over President Trump’s handling of the economy and his record on issues such as the Iran war, diesel prices, and cost of living. The win is described as a surprise upset in a previously solid Republican-held state that was not considered competitive until the race tightened in recent weeks.
