NewsNation reporter Joe Khalil posted a text message he received from a Republican member of Congress on Thursday to his X account that puts concerns about South Carolina on full display.
As the election approaches, polling shows that Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), is running even with Democratic opponent Annie Andrews. Graham has made several missteps in recent months. Now Republicans are coming forward that they're not comfortable voting for Graham.
The text message from the GOP Congressman is a "brutal assessment," said Khalil on X.
"Republicans won this seat by 18 points. The fact it’s this close and the speaker has to come to SC 1 to drag the R across the finish line is embarrassing. F—— embarrassing it’s so close," the text message reads. "Darline race is probably dragging this race down also. Seat might flip. Darline is dragging Rs down the ticket. The only saving grace is that the governors race is where it should be."
Andrews was previously running against the late Graham, but after his untimely passing, the governor appointed his sister to take over the seat. President Donald Trump agreed to support Graham's run for reelection.
While the seat has historically been red, 2026 is shaping up to be a unique year with a lot of angry voters who want accountability from the GOP.
Graham faced off in a tough primary battle Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), going up against an experienced political leader on serious policy issues during a debate. Questions came up about the war in Iran, trade deals, corruption and other foreign policy matters.
Graham had a difficult moment when she admitted she didn't know much about Taiwan or really any national security issues, but said she supported the military.
"National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise. But I do support the military," she said in the painful debate moment.
When challenged on it, she doubled down, saying, “They’re worried about their pocketbooks more than they’re worried about the South China Sea, quite honestly.” She then began talking about boys in girls' sports.
Despite the gaffe, Graham beat out Norman in the primary. Her polls have struggled in the months since while Andrews' have consistently gone up.
