South Carolina Senate Race Remains Tight, Polls Show Close Contest

Recent polling from The New York Times and The Citadel indicates the U.S. Senate race in South Carolina is a statistical tie. The NYT/Sienna poll released on October 28 showed both candidates, Democratic candidate Annie Andrews and Republican incumbent Lindsey Graham, with 48 percent support each.

The Times poll also found that Andrews has strong support among independent voters, with 57 percent backing her compared to 37 percent for Graham. This support is helping her compete in a traditionally Republican state.

Experience is a key factor in the race, with 51 percent of voters, including 18 percent of Republicans, expressing concern over Graham’s qualifications. In contrast, 54 percent of voters, including 22 percent of Republicans, believe Andrews has the right experience for the Senate.

The Citadel’s poll, also released on October 28, showed Graham leading by 4 percent (43 percent to 39 percent) with 15 percent of voters undecided. The poll included 1,099 registered voters surveyed via live telephone interviews (409) and text messages (600) between October 14 and 25.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to hold a get-out-the-vote rally in Goose Creek for congressional candidate Jenny Costa Honeycutt. The event is part of a broader GOP effort to boost turnout in traditionally red states.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, will participate in a voter rally in Columbia with state officials, despite being defeated in her own state’s primary. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., has also used President Donald Trump’s term 'Tranny Annie' to describe Andrews, drawing criticism from LGBTQ media for repeating an anti-trans slur.

A Scott spokesman pointed to $2 million worth of pro-Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham TV ads contending Andrews supports transgender procedure for minors and boys in girls sports.