Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) and her Democratic opponent Annie Andrews went head-to-head Sunday night for their first and likely only debate in a contest that favors the GOP but looks increasingly gettable for Democrats.
Democrats haven't won statewide in South Carolina in 20 years, and Graham has led in polling, unlike GOP candidates in some typically red states in what may be a “blue wave” election.
But the dynamic has changed from how the race was expected to go since the sudden death of Graham's brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), in July. Instead of facing a longtime incumbent who's had years to build up his reputation and experience, Democrats now face his sister, who was appointed to the seat three months ago and has faced criticism — including from members of her own party — that she's too inexperienced for the role.
"She has shown time and time again that she is not up for the job," Andrews said Sunday night.
Graham defended herself as qualified for the position, pointing to the work she has already done as a senator.
“I’ve been in the Senate for three months now. I’ve already co-sponsored several bills that protect farmers, that protect the American taxpayer,” she said.
Graham also defended herself over a memorable gaffe that she made during a primary runoff debate in August against Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.). Responding to a question about whether the U.S. would have the responsibility to defend Taiwan from a hypothetical Chinese invasion, Graham said she's "not that informed" on national security.
“At least I’m honest. If I don’t know something, I am glad to say it, and I’ll say it again tonight. But … you are deceiving the people of South Carolina,” Graham shot back at Andrews.
She successfully avoided any similar gaffes during her faceoff with Andrews, though the Democratic nominee continued to press her over her limited experience, accusing her of trying to ride the coattails of her brother's name.
Graham sought to tie Andrews to the most far-left factions of her party.
“Annie Andrews will not stand up to the Socialist Democratic Party. She’s only going to join them,” she said, criticizing the response from some progressives to Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
The event seems likely to be the only time that Graham and Andrews will meet on the debate stage. Andrews pressed Graham a few times during the debate to commit to additional meetings, but Graham rebuffed her, saying she wants to focus on interacting with voters.
Although the race still favors the GOP, there's some signs it may be tighter than initially expected.
A few surveys from Republican-leaning pollsters have shown Graham only a few points ahead, putting Andrews within the margin of error.
The election handicapper Cook Political Report shifted its rating of the race from "solid Republican" to "likely Republican" late last month.
Decision Desk HQ rates the race as "lean Republican," giving Graham a 70 percent chance of winning. That's down from close to 80 percent about a month ago.
Senate Leadership Fund, the main Senate Republican super PAC, is directing $5 million into the contest as an "insurance policy," another sign of the GOP feeling some jitters. That money may be helpful, as Andrews has been outraising and outspending Graham and constantly appearing in ads.
National Democrats have yet to invest in the race, instead ramping up spending in states like Kansas and Iowa.
The Hill's Sudiksha Kochi has a helpful rundown of what else to expect this week in key House and Senate races, as we’re three weeks out from Election Day. Sign up for The Hill Insider here to get “This week on the Hill” every Monday.
On top of more high-profile debates, President Trump is visiting Ohio today and Alaska on Tuesday to boost two potentially vulnerable GOP incumbents, Sens. Jon Husted and Dan Sullivan, respectively.
▪ The Hill: Five takeaways from testy South Carolina debate.
▪ The Hill: The Senate races most likely to flip.
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