Since the election of President Trump in November of 2024, all eyes have been on the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections, which are now less than three weeks away. With Republicans holding control of all three branches of our state and federal governments, these elections are crucial in determining the political direction of both South Carolina, and the U.S. as a whole.
U.S. Senate
South Carolina is a deeply red state, and because of that, our elections our don’t typically make national news—until now. The South Carolina U.S. Senate race has become one of the most talked-about and anticipated contests of the midterms due to the success of an unlikely underdog: Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews.
The republican nominee, appointed by Governor McMaster after Lindsey Graham’s unexpected passing, is none other than Lindsey’s own sister, Darline Graham.
Some notable positions Graham is running on include lowering taxes, maintaining anti-abortion legislation, support for ICE and deportations, support for the second amendment and opposition to gun registries, and opposition to transgender rights, specifically in girl’s sports and locker rooms. She is also heavily promoting her enthusiastic endorsement from President Trump.
The Democratic nominee is pediatrician Dr. Annie Andrews. Dr. Andrews has gained massive support from Democrats in both South Carolina and around the nation for her campaign; first against Lindsey Graham, and now against Darline Graham.
Some of Dr. Andrew’s stances include lowering taxes and costs, healthcare as a human right, reproductive freedom, affordable childcare, fighting political corruption, ending gun violence, and investment into effective transportation and infrastructure.
Polls currently show an extremely tight race, with Graham leading Dr. Andrews by only a few percentage points. If Dr. Andrews were to win, it would be the first time South Carolina elected a Democratic U.S. senator since 1998.
governor
Another highly anticipated South Carolina election is for the position of Governor. While this race may not be as close as the U.S. Senate seat, it is equally as important.
The Republican nominee is current state Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Wilson’s positions include supporting law enforcement, lowering taxes, improving infrastructure, keeping “woke indoctrination” out of classrooms, promoting conservative reform, supporting ICE and deportations, maintaining anti-abortion legislation, giving parents more control over education, and in his own words, “standing with President Trump and the America First Agenda.” Wilson, like Graham, is endorsed by President Trump.
The Democratic nominee is state representative Dr. Jermaine Johnson.
Dr. Johnson is campaigning on issues such as lowering income and property taxes, building affordable housing, improving conditions for workers, improving infrastructure, legalizing and regulating cannabis, protecting reproductive rights, providing better mental health care, and passing a hate crime bill.
If Dr. Johnson were to win this election, he would be the first Democratic Governor elected since 1999.
other statewide elections
The remaining statewide positions on the ballot include:
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General
- Secretary of State
- Agriculture Commissioner
- Comptroller
- Superintendent of Education
- Treasurer
Regional elections
There are also a number of regional and local elections on the ballot this November.
All seven of South Carolina’s U.S. House of Representatives seats are up for grabs, as well as all 124 seats in the State House of Representatives.
Other elections include district-wide school board positions and various county-wide local government positions.
To see a comprehensive list of all the races and candidates on your ballot based on your home address, you can visit southcarolinavoterguide.com/ballot or ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup.
go vote!
It is imperative that all South Carolinians get out to the polls and make their voices heard. While election day isn’t until November 3, early voting starts October 19, so you have plenty of time to get your ballot in!
For more information on early voting, absentee voting, and voting in person on election day, visit southcarolinavoterguide.com/voting-info.
