News Summary
A Winthrop University poll shows Senator Lindsey Graham with a 34% approval rating, significantly trailing other South Carolina Republicans. As he seeks re-election, Graham faces challenges from both voter dissatisfaction and emerging Democratic candidates. The poll results highlight a complex political landscape, putting pressure on Graham in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
Columbia, South Carolina – A recent Winthrop University poll conducted from May 23-31, 2025, reveals that Senator Lindsey Graham holds an approval rating of only 34%, significantly lower than several other prominent South Carolina Republicans. Former President Donald Trump enjoys a 45% approval rating, while Governor Henry McMaster and Senator Tim Scott stand at 42% and 41%, respectively. This low approval rating could indicate vulnerabilities for Graham as he seeks re-election for a fifth term in the U.S. Senate.
Additionally, approximately 40% of the respondents expressed disapproval of Graham’s performance in office. The poll surveyed 1,211 residents across South Carolina, boasting a margin of error of 2.82% and a confidence level of 95%. Scott Huffmon, the director of the Winthrop Poll, noted Graham’s standing as more precarious compared to Tim Scott, who is also up for re-election.
Graham’s upcoming election is set for November 3, 2026, as 33 out of 100 Senate seats will be contested. In his previous race in 2020, Graham secured victory by a margin of 10 percentage points against his Democratic challenger, Jaime Harrison. Recent polling also indicates a prevailing sense of dissatisfaction among South Carolinians, with 46% believing the country is headed in the wrong direction, showcasing considerable partisan divides within the electorate.
Despite South Carolina’s historical leanings towards Republican candidates, Graham faces a potential challenge from Annie Andrews, a Democratic candidate and pediatrician who previously vied for a U.S. House seat. Andrews emphasizes the need for improved healthcare and education in the state and is in the process of assembling a campaign team. Notably, her team includes members who were instrumental in Harrison’s campaign in 2020, indicating a strategic approach to mount a viable challenge against Graham.
According to Andrews’ campaign, the focus will be on addressing pressing issues in the state, which they believe resonate with the voters. However, Graham’s campaign manager contends that Andrews’ liberal platform is disconnected from the core values of South Carolina voters, suggesting a competitive race ahead.
The race for the U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina is expected to attract significant campaign funding, reflecting the high stakes involved for both parties. As Graham prepares to defend his incumbency, the growing discontent among the electorate could play a vital role in shaping the outcome of the 2026 elections.
Voter sentiment in South Carolina will likely evolve in the lead-up to the election, and both candidates will need to navigate the complex political landscape to secure votes. With Graham’s current approval ratings and Andrews’ determination to challenge him, the upcoming election cycle promises to be closely watched as it unfolds.
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