Democrat Annie Andrews wins election to U.S. Senate from South Carolina

Democrat Annie Andrews secured a victory on Tuesday, winning the U.S. Senate seat from South Carolina, marking a significant political shift. She defeated Republican incumbent Darline Graham, who had been appointed to the position following the sudden death of her brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Andrews, a pediatrician, had previously attempted to run for the U.S. House but had not achieved success.

Graham's appointment to the Senate seat was a result of her brother's unexpected demise in July. Later, she managed to win a fiercely contested special primary for the Republican nomination, with the support of President Donald Trump. The Associated Press officially declared Andrews the winner at 10:39 p.m. EST. Her triumph in a state that President Trump had won three times by wide margins represents a decisive blow to the Republican Party.