Lindsey Graham

In the 2020 Senate race for SC Senate seat, Lindsey Graham (R) won with 54.4% of the vote, defeating Jaime Harrison (D) who received 44.2%. 2 additional candidates split the remaining vote. Lindsey Graham's 10.3-point lead over the runner-up showed solid but not overwhelming support.

This was an open-seat race with no incumbent running — Tim Scott (R) previously held the seat. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. The 2020 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket.

In the 2014 Senate race for SC Senate seat, Lindsey Graham (R) won with 54.3% of the vote, defeating Thomas Ravenel (p) who received 3.8%. 2 additional candidates split the remaining vote. Lindsey Graham's 50.4-point advantage over the runner-up confirmed a comfortable win.

This was an open-seat race. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. As a Republican, Lindsey Graham benefited from the historical midterm penalty against the president's party — with a Democrat in the White House, the opposition typically gains seats.