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Senate Majority Leader John Thorne Thune Heads to South Carolina as Senate Race Narrows
By Drooid · · How we work
Thune’s South Carolina Visit as the Contest Tightens
Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced a multi-state tour that will include a stop in South Carolina. The trip is intended to bolster Republican efforts to keep its Senate majority as the race for the state’s Class II seat has become unexpectedly close.
Background: Polls, Primary Upset and Shifting Ratings
A recent poll by the Trafalgar Group showed Democratic challenger Annie Andrews within 1.1 percentage points of incumbent Sen. Darline Graham (43.4 % to 42.3 %). The contest, long considered a Republican stronghold, drew additional attention after the Cook Political Report revised South Carolina’s Senate rating from “solidly Republican” to “likely Republican.”
Sen. Graham entered the race after the sudden death of her brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, prompting a special primary that President Donald Trump heavily influenced. Trump urged voters to “pretend” his name appeared on the ballot, a tactic he later echoed during a midterm convention in Dallas.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump, speaking during the August primary, said: “So what I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot. Just come and vote. It’s so important.” His remarks were framed as a direct appeal to South Carolina voters to support the Republican ticket.
Data & Statistics
- Poll margin: Andrews trailing by 1.1 points (43.4 % vs 42.3 %).
- Cook rating change: From “solidly Republican” to “likely Republican.”
- Historical context: The last Democrat to win a South Carolina U.S. Senate seat did so in 1998.
Verbatim Quotes
- “So what I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot. Just come and vote. It’s so important,” — Donald Trump, face amid president