Democrat Annie Andrews ties Republican Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate race

Democratic challenger Annie Andrews is tied with Republican Senator Darline Graham at 48% in South Carolina, according to a New York Times/Siena poll released Wednesday, with 3% of voters undecided. Andrews, a pediatrician with no prior public office, is running as a centrist and has distanced herself from the national Democratic brand.

Andrews criticized her own party on border policy and Medicare for All during a debate this month, while also supporting provisions from the GOP reconciliation bill such as no taxes on tips or Social Security. She has criticized President Donald Trump’s attacks on her as “not presidential” and called his tariffs “unconstitutional.”

“It’s a fucking train wreck. It’s a mess.”

The poll shows Andrews winning 97% of Democrats, 59% of independents, and 22% of Republicans. Former South Carolina governors, one from each party, jointly endorsed Andrews on Monday.

Republican anxiety is growing. Representative Nancy Mace called the race “a fucking train wreck” and “a mess,” while a South Carolina GOP official said the contest is “tighter than where it needs to be.”

President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit South Carolina on Thursday, his third trip in three months, to campaign for Graham in the Upstate. The seat has not elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly 30 years.

Fox News has moved South Carolina from Lean R to Toss-up in its Power Rankings. The Senate remains a toss-up with six states set to decide the majority.