Senator Graham’s approval stands at a dismal 28%
Charleston, SC — A new poll of South Carolina voters shows Dr. Annie Andrews trailing Senator Lindsey Graham by just six points in a head-to-head matchup, 42–36, with 22% undecided. The undecided voters in the Graham–Andrews matchup are D+14 on the generic ballot, and if they break based on those preferences, Graham would lead by only 4 points in a 52–48 race.
“This poll proves what South Carolinians tell me every day. They are ready for a fresh start,” said Dr. Andrews. “Lindsey Graham has lost our trust. I’m running to bring competent, compassionate leadership back to this seat and these findings tell us that path is wide open.”
The poll, combined with recent Democratic gains and over performances across the Southeast, indicates the race for U.S. Senate in South Carolina is primed to be competitive. The survey finds strong interest in an outsider Democrat like Andrews — a pediatrician and healthcare advocate, not a career politician— underscoring a major opening for a challenger. With Dr. Andrews still building name recognition, there is significant room for growth as the campaign progresses.
The poll shows Lindsey Graham is deeply unpopular in South Carolina. 60% of voters say it’s time for someone new, with just 29% saying Lindsey should be reelected. Among independents, only 14% say he should be reelected while 73% say it’s time for someone new.
Senator Graham’s job approval stands at a dismal 28% approval, for a net approval rating of -26 points. This makes him drastically less popular than President Trump, who holds a +4 net approval in South Carolina.
“There is no Republican in the country who is more underwater with their own base than Lindsey Graham,” said Andrews. “We can’t afford another six years of chaos, corruption, and self-promotion from our Senator. South Carolinians deserve better, and this campaign is going to give them a real choice.”
The poll tracks with recent independent surveys that show Graham significantly underwater in South Carolina. Read the full polling memo here.