COLUMBIA — South Carolina does not often present Democrats with a unique and winnable opportunity—but new public polling shows that 2026 may be the year that changes. According to the latest Public Policy Polling (PPP) numbers, Senator Lindsey Graham enters the 2026 cycle as one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the nation, far more beatable than national pundits have projected.
The numbers paint a devastating picture for Graham:
- 60 percent of voters say it is time for someone new.
- Only 29 percent believe he should be reelected.
- His approval rating has collapsed to 28 percent, with 54 percent disapproving.
- Among independents—often the deciding factor in South Carolina—just 14 percent support his return to office.
- Even Trump voters are divided, with half ready to move on.
These are not the numbers of a safe incumbent. These are the numbers of a senator who has lost the trust of the people he represents.
A Race That Can Be Won—But Only With the Right Democratic Nominee
PPP’s polling shows Graham ahead of a generic Democrat by only two points, 41 to 39. This confirms that South Carolina is competitive and that Graham can be defeated.
However, not every candidate matches that performance.
Some Democratic contenders fall four points below the generic ballot benchmark—creating an unnecessary path for Graham to survive. In a race this close, four points is the difference between flipping the seat and watching it slip away for another six years.
Democrats must nominate the candidate who expands the coalition, not shrinks it. That candidate is Brandon Brown.
Why Brandon Brown Is the Strongest Candidate to Defeat Lindsey Graham
1. Brandon Understands Healthcare as a Working-Class Crisis
Healthcare is one of Graham’s greatest vulnerabilities. Only 26 percent of voters approve of his record on the issue.
Brandon Brown does not approach healthcare as an academic or political exercise. He approaches it as someone who has witnessed the human cost up close.
As the owner of one of South Carolina’s oldest Black-owned funeral homes, Brandon has sat with families who lost loved ones because they could not afford basic care. This year, he buried a 42-year-old mother of two who died because she could not afford her insulin.
That is not a statistic—it is a tragedy caused by policy failure.
Brandon brings urgency, empathy, and lived experience to the healthcare debate. He understands what South Carolina families endure because he is there with them during their most difficult moments.
2. Brandon Maximizes Black Voter Turnout—the Key to Winning Statewide
Every statewide Democratic victory in South Carolina depends on energizing and expanding Black voter turnout. Internal and external tracking consistently show:
- Brandon Brown holds a commanding lead with Black voters in both the Democratic primary and general election matchups.
- He has deep relationships across South Carolina’s HBCUs and has served as vice president at three of them.
- His credibility and connection with Black communities are unmatched in the field. ● Brandon has never lost a primary election.
To defeat Lindsey Graham, South Democrats must unite a coalition that includes: ● High Black voter turnout
- Suburban and college-educated voters
- Independents seeking new leadership
- A share of disaffected Republicans
Brandon Brown is the only candidate positioned to hold and grow that coalition.
3. Brandon Appeals Directly to Independents—The Voters Abandoning Graham
Independents are breaking sharply against Graham, with 78 percent saying they want new leadership.
Brandon’s story—growing up in Greenville, serving in higher education leadership roles, and building a career focused on lifting working families—resonates with these voters. He is not a political celebrity or cable news personality. He is a South Carolinian shaped by the same challenges facing working people across the state.
He understands their struggles because he has lived them.
4. Brandon Offers a Clear Moral Contrast to Graham
A majority of voters (53 percent) believe Lindsey Graham abused his office when he voted to allow himself to sue the federal government for up to $500,000 of taxpayer money.
Brandon Brown’s life stands in stark contrast. His record is one of community service, integrity, and everyday leadership rooted in the people he serves.
This contrast is exactly what persuadable voters respond to—and exactly what Graham cannot overcome.
South Carolina Can Flip This Seat — But Only If Democrats Choose the Right Nominee
The path to victory is clearer than ever:
- Graham is historically unpopular.
- Voters want new leadership.
- Healthcare is a working-class crisis he has ignored.
- Black voters will determine the statewide outcome.
- Independents are ready for a change.
But this opportunity is only real if Democrats nominate the candidate capable of uniting and expanding the winning coalition.
Brandon Brown is that candidate.
He brings:
- The trust of Black voters
- Appeal to independents
- The lived experiences of working families
- The momentum required to win statewide
For the first time in years, South Carolina has a real chance to retire Lindsey Graham.
With Brandon Brown, South Carolina can flip this seat and deliver the new leadership our state deserves.
Learn more at: www.BrandonBrownForSC.com.
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This press release represents the opinion of the writer, but not necessarily the opinion of Holy City Sinner. If you'd like to submit your own opinion piece for publishing consideration, e-mail christian@holycitysinner.com.