WASHINGTON — Fox News Power Rankings moved the South Carolina Senate race from Lean Republican to a toss-up on Thursday, Oct. 29, five days before the Nov. 3 midterms.
New polling has Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews tied at 48% each, according to Fox News.
Graham is a disability advocate. The state’s Republican governor picked her to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and she is now seeking a full term.
Andrews is a pediatrician. She has mounted a competitive campaign and drawn support from some Republicans, USA Today reported.
President Donald Trump headed to South Carolina on Thursday to campaign for Graham. He is set to help her in the Upstate, where she underperformed in her primary runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, Fox News said.
“Big Rally in South Carolina for the wonderful Darline Graham, today,” Trump wrote on social media on the morning of Oct. 29. “She is fantastic. Lindsey is watching, and very proud of her!!!”
The Senate majority is still a toss-up, Fox News said, with six states set to decide control. On a good night, Democrats could reach 54 seats. Republicans could keep control with up to 52.
One risk for Graham is a write-in vote. The Citadel said in its poll that up to 2% of South Carolina voters may write in Norman, who lost the Republican nomination to Graham in a runoff.
Norman said in a radio interview that he will vote for Graham because he made a promise. His family will not, he said.
Kevin Bishop, a former spokesman for Lindsey Graham, questioned talk that the close race is staged to put Republicans on their heels. “Some are suggesting this is some ‘polling head-fake,’” Bishop wrote in a social media post on Oct. 28. “I wish.”
Bishop added that the campaign’s internal polling in 2020 was also “very, very close.”
The change came after weeks in which other forecasters had moved the race closer to the Democrats, USA Today reported. Three polls from different firms in recent days also pointed to a tight contest.
Have something to promote?
Bring your business, services or event to our readers.