Story perspectives

Trafalgar Poll Tightens Graham-Andrews Senate Race in South Carolina

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 11:54 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Darline Graham, appointed after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s 2026 death, contests the seat against Democrat Annie Andrews.
A Trafalgar Group poll on October 19 shows Graham at 48.6% and Andrews at 45.6%, within the 3-point error margin.
Andrews has raised $19.7 million, a 7-to-1 advantage, while the Senate Leadership Fund gave Republicans $5 million.
U.S. President Donald Trump rallied in Clemson on October 21, his second South Carolina visit for Graham.

History

Historical Context

June 2010’s 5-4 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC eliminated limits on corporate and union independent expenditures. Together with the D.C. Circuit’s SpeechNow.org ruling that month, the decisions birthed unlimited-fund super PACs, raising independent spending from $140 million in 2008 to $4.2 billion by 2024. That surge fuels races like the 2026 Senate contest, where Annie Andrews has raised $19.7 million versus Darline Graham.

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Story summary

Darline Graham, appointed after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s 2026 death, contests the seat against Democrat Annie Andrews.
A Trafalgar Group poll on October 19 shows Graham at 48.6% and Andrews at 45.6%, within the 3-point error margin.
Andrews has raised $19.7 million, a 7-to-1 advantage, while the Senate Leadership Fund gave Republicans $5 million.
U.S. President Donald Trump rallied in Clemson on October 21, his second South Carolina visit for Graham.

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