Even Ralph Norman can’t decide whether to back his own party’s nominee
A new poll from Impact Research finds Dr. Annie Andrews leading Sen. Darline Graham 42 percent to 39 percent, as South Carolina Republicans spiral into open infighting less than a week after their own runoff.
The chaos starts with Rep. Ralph Norman, who lost the GOP runoff to Graham last week. On Monday, Norman complained to reporters that President Trump’s “shocking” campaigning for Graham had cost him the race, and when asked what he’d tell his own supporters, replied: “Vote for Ralph Norman,” urging a write-in bid against his own party’s nominee.
“South Carolina Republicans can’t even agree on their own nominee, and Darline Graham still hasn’t answered a single question about why voters should trust her with this seat,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “While Republicans are busy fighting each other, Dr. Annie Andrews is doing what she’s always done: earning trust one patient at a time. She’s spent 20 years at the bedside of South Carolina’s kids, and it shows. In a state Trump carried by 18 points, she’s leading because voters know the difference between a doctor who fights for them and a party that is constantly fighting with itself.”
Key Findings
- Dr. Annie Andrews is the preferred candidate in the race. Dr. Andrews outperformed Graham on brand, running net positive by 14 points (35 percent favorable, 21 percent unfavorable), while Graham is behind by 22 points (28 percent favorable, 50 percent unfavorable).
- The race for U.S. Senate in South Carolina is competitive and Dr. Andrews has “a clear path to victory.” As more voters learn who she is and her work as a pediatrician, Dr. Andrews has room to expand her lead.
Voters know who to trust on healthcare and public safety, and it isn’t career politicians. Polling from Data for Progress found that Americans trust their own doctor at 90 percent, compared to just 40 percent for RFK Jr. and the MAHA politicians pushing his attacks on healthcare access. Separate research from Pew found 76 percent of Americans have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in scientists to act in the public’s interest.
Dr. Annie Andrews has spent 20 years caring for South Carolina’s kids as a pediatrician. Darline Graham can’t get her own runner-up to commit to voting for her. In November, South Carolinians have a clear choice.