Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democrat running for Senate in South Carolina, walked along a dock off Charleston as Cindy Tarvin explained how her shrimping season was crippled by high diesel costs. "We live on hope," said Ms. Tarvin. "Same," said Dr. Andrews.
Dr. Andrews, a pediatrician, is running for a seat no Democratic candidate this century has come within nine points of winning. Even some ardent supporters sense her bid is a long shot, though there is reason for optimism. She faces Senator Darline Graham, a political novice, amid a deteriorating environment for Republicans.
Democrats are tied or leading in Senate races in five reliably Republican states, per new New York Times/Siena University polls, putting victories in Kansas, Mississippi, and South Carolina within sight. Two weeks ago, the Cook Political Report shifted the race from solidly Republican to likely Republican. Only two years ago, Mr. Trump carried South Carolina by over 17 points.
"I'm very hopeful," said Daniel Chambers, 72, a retired program director. "But I'm not expecting her to win." Voter anger over high prices from Mr. Trump's tariffs and war in Iran exists here too. Structural disadvantages remain, and some Democrats fear a reprise of 2020 when Jaime Harrison finished 10 points behind Senator Lindsey Graham.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing