# South Carolina elects first Democratic senator in 28 years

> Paediatrician Annie Andrews defeats Republican Darline Graham in stunning upset, ending decades of GOP dominance in the state.
- Title: South Carolina elects first Democratic senator in 28 years
- Summary: Paediatrician Annie Andrews defeats Republican Darline Graham in stunning upset, ending decades of GOP dominance in the state.
- Keywords: annie andrews, darline graham, south carolina, senate election, democrats, republicans, us midterms 2026, BBC News
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjy56z440nl9o
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: annie andrews, darline graham, south carolina, senate election, democrats, republicans, us midterms 2026, news, world
## Democrat pulls off stunning upset
Paediatrician Annie Andrews won South Carolina's Senate race on Tuesday, defeating Republican Darline Graham. The victory gives Democrats their first Senate win in the state for twenty eight years.
## Graham stumbled on national security
Graham was appointed to the seat in July after the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. During her primary campaign, she acknowledged lacking political experience, particularly on foreign policy.

> National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military.
## Andrews rejects family dynasty
Speaking after her victory, Andrews said South Carolina had sent a message that the Senate seat does not belong to one family, one party, or to Washington DC.

> This Senate seat does not belong to one family, one party, or to Washington DC.
## Key takeaway

Democrat Annie Andrews won South Carolina's Senate race on Tuesday, defeating Republican Darline Graham and giving Democrats their first statewide Senate victory in twenty eight years.