GOP Super PAC pours $5 million into South Carolina Senate race, sources say

Republican Super PAC Senate Leadership Fund has pledged $5 million to bolster Sen. Darline Graham's campaign in South Carolina's Senate race, according to sources familiar with the matter. This financial support comes as President Trump intensifies his criticism of her Democratic opponent, Annie Andrews. The investment underscores the party's concern over the race, despite South Carolina's consistently Republican leanings.

President Trump secured 18-point victory in 2024, compared to Lindsey Graham's 10-point win in 2020, even with a well-funded opponent. Winning South Carolina remains an elusive goal for Democrats since the turn of the century. The $5 million commitment was first reported by Axios. Darline Graham, appointed to the Senate seat in July following her brother's death, was sworn in after winning a special primary.

President Trump has actively campaigned for Graham and attacked Andrews on social media, using an anti-transgender slur. Andrews, a pediatrician, opposes gender transition surgery for minors but has previously expressed opposition to a bill banning transgender athletes in sports. The most impactful campaign ad this year capitalized on transgender issues as a symbol of America's cultural divide: "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you."

Some Republicans are now utilizing similar tactics to link Andrews to transgender issues, though the effectiveness remains to be seen. Former South Carolina Governor David Beasley criticized Trump's remarks on Andrews as "such a disgrace."