A recent poll of South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race shows former Republican Senator Darline Graham leading Democratic challenger Annie Andrews by four percentage points among likely voters, 51% to 47%. The ECU Poll, conducted October 19–24, also found that 2% of respondents support an independent, minor-party, or write-in candidate. The poll has a credibility interval of ±3.7 percentage points, comparable to a margin of error.
The survey, conducted by the ECU Center for Survey Research, highlights the issues driving voter sentiment in the race. The economy, including the cost of living, is the top concern for 54% of likely voters. Border security and immigration ranks second at 14%.
According to the full announcement, available click here, Andrews holds an advantage among independents, leading 53% to 43%. However, Graham’s overwhelming 93% to 6% lead among Republicans is large enough to give her a slight overall edge.
The findings underscore the polarization of the electorate and the importance of party loyalty in a state that leans Republican. With the economy dominating voter concerns, both candidates will likely focus their closing messages on inflation, jobs, and the cost of living. The poll’s credibility interval means the race could still shift, but Graham’s lead suggests she retains strong support within her party base.
The ECU Center for Survey Research conducts nonpartisan public opinion polling on elections, politics, and public policy issues in North Carolina and across the nation. This poll adds to the body of data that will shape campaign strategies and voter outreach in the final stretch. For businesses and industries in South Carolina, the outcome could influence policies on taxes, regulation, and workforce development. The emphasis on economic concerns signals that voters are prioritizing pocketbook issues, which may push candidates to propose business-friendly solutions.
The poll was distributed by Reportable, Inc., a newswire service. As the race enters its final weeks, the Graham-Andrews contest remains one to watch for clues about broader political trends in the region.
