Coming off decisive Democratic wins in yesterday’s elections, including historic wins for women candidates and in races across the Southeast, one thing is crystal clear: Democrats need to think big in 2026 and expand the battlefield. 

The road to a Senate majority runs straight through South Carolina — where deeply unpopular Republican Lindsey Graham has never been more vulnerable.

He faces record low-approval ratings and a fierce primary challenge from the MAGA right that has him spending down his warchest. Meanwhile, Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews is building momentum and the kind of campaign that can finally defeat him.

A pediatrician, not a politician, Dr. Andrews is connecting with voters across party lines who are fed up with politics as usual. She is calling out the anti-science rhetoric that is hurting South Carolina families, and running a people-powered campaign that is breaking fundraising records and building unprecedented grassroots energy. In 2018, Democrats flipped SC-01 for the first time in 40 years – we know Blue waves can win big races in South Carolina.

Here’s what to know about the state of the race:

Lindsey Graham has never been more vulnerable. 

• Unpopular at home: Polls show Graham’s approval rating has fallen to 34%, making him the least popular Republican in South Carolina by a significant margin. Newsweek: Lindsey Graham Gets Bad Polling News

• Primary trouble ahead: Graham faces a serious challenge from his right flank and will have to spend heavily to survive a bruising GOP primary.CNN: Project 2025 architect Paul Dans to challenge Lindsey Graham for Senate in South Carolina

• Trump’s rescue mission: Donald Trump is stepping in to prop up Graham, including a closed-door Florida golf fundraiser that underscores just how dependent Graham has become on MAGA money and out-of-state elites.Politico: Trump’s first in-person fundraiser of the 2026 cycle will be for Lindsey Graham

Dr. Andrews has the right message for the moment.

• A doctor, not a politician: A pediatrician who has spent nearly 20 years caring for South Carolina’s kids and families, Dr. Andrews brings authenticity and compassion that cut through partisan noise and harness regular people’s frustrations with both parties. 

• Taking on extremism: She is calling out the damage MAGA and RFK Jr. conspiracies are doing to public health, with South Carolina already seeing the consequences in preventable disease outbreaks like measles.

A grassroots movement that outraises Linsey Graham.

• Dr. Andrews is building a warchest, while Graham spends his down: Dr. Andrews is turning her message into momentum and hard campaign dollars. Her small-dollar army is fueling a campaign built to win, while Graham drains capital trying to survive a primary.

• Dr. Andrews fundraising, by the numbers:
  • Over $3 million raised in just six months from more than 100,000 contributions.
  • Average donation under $30.
  • Zero corporate PAC money.
  • $1.6 million raised in Q3, more than triple Graham’s direct contributions.

Dr. Andrews is consolidating political support throughout the nation. 

• Strong SC political support: Dr. Andrews has been endorsed by former DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and other significant South Carolina legislators and community leaders. X: Harrison endorses Dr. Annie Andrews 

• National momentum: Dr. Andrews’ campaign has earned national attention and endorsements from 314 Action, Vote Mama, and other leading organizations recognize the opportunity to flip South Carolina blue. 

• A coalition of supporters online: Dr. Andrews has built a large social media following of supporters across the country. A trusted medical voice, she uses her platform to call out disinformation, share facts, and connect authentically with supporters nationwide.Glamour: Annie Andrews Is Running to Defeat Lindsey Graham—and Everyone Is Paying Attention

Conclusion:

Democrats must expand the Senate map in 2026, and South Carolina is the place to start. Lindsey Graham is deeply unpopular, out of step with his own state, and facing a rebellion within his party. Dr. Annie Andrews is building a movement to defeat him — powered by small donors, trusted by families, and driven by science and compassion.

South Carolina is in play. Dr. Annie Andrews is the candidate who can flip it. To learn more about our campaign, please visit DrAnnieAndrews.com.