The 2026 midterm elections are entering their final stretch, and an unexpectedly close Senate contest in South Carolina is drawing national attention.

A new poll shows Republican Senator Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Dr. Annie Andrews tied at 48% each, putting pressure on Republicans in a state that has traditionally supported their candidates.

President Donald Trump has stepped into the contest, campaigning for Graham and urging voters to support the Republican candidate ahead of Election Day on November 3.

The race has become an important focus of the national midterm campaign as both parties compete for control of the US Senate.

New Poll Shows South Carolina Senate Race Deadlocked

The latest New York Times/Siena College poll, conducted October 19–26 among 707 likely South Carolina voters, found Graham and Andrews receiving identical support of 48%.

Approximately 3% of respondents were undecided. The poll’s margin of error was 4.3 percentage points, meaning the result should be interpreted as a statistical tie rather than proof that the candidates have identical levels of support.

The findings were particularly notable because South Carolina has long been a Republican stronghold. Donald Trump carried the state by approximately 18 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election.

Read the Guardian’s report on the tied South Carolina Senate race.

Trump Campaigns for Darline Graham

President Trump has made South Carolina a priority in his final campaign efforts before the midterm elections.

He previously endorsed Darline Graham and appeared at campaign events to encourage Republican voters to support her.

Graham entered the contest after the death of her brother, longtime Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, in July 2026. She was appointed to complete his Senate term before seeking election to the seat.

Trump has publicly praised Graham and emphasized his relationship with her late brother.

According to Reuters reporting, the president’s campaign visit was part of a wider effort to help Republican candidates retain control of Congress.

Who Is Challenging Graham?

Democratic candidate Annie Andrews is a physician and pediatrician who has made healthcare access and affordability central themes of her campaign.

She has criticized Graham’s experience and questioned whether the Republican candidate is sufficiently prepared for the responsibilities of the Senate.

Graham, meanwhile, has emphasized her Republican priorities, including immigration restrictions and opposition to abortion rights.

The candidates have also differed on foreign policy. Graham has expressed disagreement with Trump’s decision to ease certain sanctions on Russia, saying she does not trust Russian President Vladimir Putin.

These disagreements have added another dimension to the contest despite Graham’s support for the president on several other issues.

Why This Race Matters Nationally

South Carolina’s Senate contest is attracting attention because of its potential implications for the balance of power in Washington.

Republicans currently hold a Senate majority, and Democrats are attempting to gain seats in several competitive states.

A close race in traditionally Republican South Carolina has therefore become an important part of the national political conversation.

According to Forbes’ latest 2026 midterm polling roundup, several Senate contests across the country are also competitive, making the final days of campaigning particularly significant.

Early Voting and Final Campaign Push

Early voting is already underway in South Carolina, with both campaigns working to reach voters before Election Day.

Republican organizations have invested heavily in supporting Graham and challenging Andrews, while Democrats are attempting to capitalize on the close polling numbers.

Trump’s campaign appearances demonstrate the importance his administration places on maintaining Republican representation in the Senate.

However, polls are snapshots of voter preferences at a particular moment. The final result will depend on turnout, undecided voters and ballots cast on Election Day.

Election Day Approaches

With November 3 approaching, both campaigns are intensifying their efforts to reach voters.

The latest 48–48 poll has placed South Carolina among the Senate contests receiving national attention. Trump’s involvement has further raised the profile of the race.

Voters will ultimately decide whether Darline Graham retains the seat or whether Annie Andrews wins the election and becomes South Carolina’s next Democratic senator.

Sources: Reuters, CBS News, The Guardian, Forbes and New York Times/Siena College polling.