Graham Dodges Major Gaffes but Flees Press After Tense South Carolina Debate

Key points

• Graham and Andrews debated in Columbia on Oct. 11, the only scheduled general election debate in the race.
• Andrews criticized Graham for previous gaffes, including admitting 'national security is not my thing' and misstating South Carolina’s population.
• Graham attacked Andrews as the 'most radical liberal' to run in South Carolina, accusing her of flip-flopping on positions.
• The debate featured Libertarian nominee Kasie Whitener, though Graham and Andrews dominated the exchange.
• Graham skipped post-debate press availability, a move The Daily Beast described as fleeing the scene.

Background

South Carolina’s Senate race has become unexpectedly competitive in the 2026 midterms, with polls showing a statistical tie. Graham was appointed to the seat after her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, died in July. The national GOP has injected $5 million into the race to support Graham, following President Trump’s use of an anti-transgender slur against Andrews that backfired. Early voting begins Oct. 19.

How outlets are covering it

The Daily Beast emphasized Graham’s decision to skip post-debate press availability, framing it as a retreat after a lackluster performance. CNN and The Washington Post focused on Graham’s improved performance compared to her primary debate, noting she avoided major gaffes but still struggled with some attack lines. NBC News highlighted the fiery exchanges over the Iran war, AI data centers, and cost-of-living issues, noting Andrews’ efforts to distance herself from the Democratic left. All outlets agreed the race remains competitive, with Andrews successfully portraying Graham as unqualified while Graham attacked Andrews as a radical liberal.

Why it matters

The South Carolina Senate race is a bellwether for the 2026 midterms, with the winner becoming the state’s first female senator. The race’s competitiveness in a traditionally red state signals potential national shifts, with both parties investing heavily to secure the outcome.

What to watch

Early voting begins Oct. 19, with the general election on Nov. 3. Campaigns will likely focus on cost-of-living issues and the Iran war, given their prominence in the debate. National GOP spending may increase if polls remain tight.