Democrat Annie Andrews wins South Carolina Senate race

In a shocking upset, Democrat Annie Andrews emerged victorious in South Carolina's Senate race, according to CBS News projections. The 45-year-old pediatrician campaigned on healthcare access and affordability, as well as fighting corruption in Washington. Andrews faced off against incumbent Senator Darline Graham, who had been appointed to complete her late brother Lindsey Graham's term following his unexpected death in July.

Graham, 62, had previously served as the commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind before her appointment to the Senate. She secured a special primary election victory to represent South Carolina for a full six-year term. Andrews recognized the uphill battle she faced in a state that hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1998, and a state that President Trump had won by 18 points in the 2024 election.

During the primary campaign, Andrews criticized Graham for lacking experience, referencing her comments about not being as informed on national security. The race became more competitive than anticipated, forcing Republicans to come to Graham's aid with a $5 million investment from the Senate Leadership Fund in October. Additionally, MAGA Inc., a super PAC controlled by Trump, gave Graham $827,000 in August, and he personally campaigned heavily for her.

Despite these efforts, Republicans' attempts to secure a win fell short, as Andrews' projected victory marks an unexpected pickup for Democrats in their quest to flip the Senate.