Senate Leadership Fund allocates $5 million for Darline Graham in South Carolina

The Senate Leadership Fund, the primary super PAC for Senate Republicans, plans to inject $5 million into the South Carolina Senate race to support Republican candidate Darline Graham. The expenditure is being treated as an “insurance policy” due to polling showing a highly competitive contest against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews.

Recent polls indicate the race is closely contested. A September survey by The Trafalgar Group placed Graham leading 43.4% to 42.3%, while an InsiderAdvantage poll showed a two-point lead. Other surveys have shown the candidates tied. Financial filings show Andrews has raised significantly more than Graham, with Andrews raising over $10.8 million as of June, compared to approximately $347,000 for Graham.

Darline Graham, who was appointed to succeed her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, has received an endorsement from Donald Trump. The $5 million allocation is expected to primarily fund television advertisements. The campaign has faced scrutiny following debate comments regarding Graham's familiarity with national security issues.