Darline Graham concedes S.C. election to Dem Annie Andrews: ‘We as conservatives have work to do’

OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
8:08 AM – Thursday, November 5, 2026

Senator Darline Graham, who was selected by President Donald Trump to serve out the remainder of her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham's term in the upper chamber of Congress, responded to her loss to Democrat Annie Andrews in GOP stronghold South Carolina with gratitude.

On Tuesday night, after reporting that she congratulated Andrews on her victory, Darline (R-S.C.) thanked President Trump for putting her up for the position and for his strong endorsement throughout her brief reelection campaign.

"I owe a special debt of gratitude to President Trump. He loves this country dearly. And I appreciate all that he has done for this country," said Darline.

The sitting senator expressed her pride in becoming the first female U.S. Senator from the Palmetto State while also extending congratulations to Andrews, the first elected female to fill the seat.

Darline's campaign lasted 107 days, beginning on July 20^th, when she announced her bid for a full six-year term after encouragement from the president. Coincidentally, former Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign — chronicled in her book, "107 Days" — in 2024 was the same length, beginning on July 21^st, when she announced her candidacy with former President Joe Biden's backing.

Though she admitted that her time in the political realm was marked by the grief of her brother's unexpected loss, she maintained optimism in light of the losses suffered by the Republican Party in the midterms.

"I love this state with every fiber of my being and I believe our state and nation's best days are ahead of us," said Darline.

 

"I still believe in the promise of South Carolina and the greatness of America," she later added.

Concluding her remarks, she noted that Republicans have work to do to respond to the nationwide losses its candidates experienced in the U.S. House, Senate, and state races.

"Tonight was not the result any of us wanted in this room or around the country. But we cannot exit the fight," she said. "This is a tough cycle and all of us need to be involved as we chart a path forward. It is clear that we as conservatives have work to do and that work starts tonight."

 

Thank you, South Carolina.

Serving this state and being our party’s nominee has been the honor of a lifetime. While tonight’s result was not what we hoped for, I am grateful for every supporter, volunteer, staff member, friend, and family member who stood beside us.

After… pic.twitter.com/C02Mnrdxx0

— Darline Graham (@DarlineGrahamSC) November 4, 2026

Throughout her Senate tenure and campaign, Darline emphasized her alignment with the president and with her brother as she battled criticism over her lack of political experience. Though she had never held political office before Lindsey's death, she was close with her brother and a key fixture of his life.

Both of South Carolina's Senate seats have been red for decades, with Lindsey having served since January 2003. He served four full terms and was serving his fifth when he passed on July 11^th.

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