WLTX – Republican Lindsey Graham has won reelection to his U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina by defeating Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison., in the process fending off the most serious challenge of his political career.
The Associated Press called the race shortly after 10 p.m.
The contest turned into the most competitive and talked about U.S. Senate race in South Carolina so far this century, as TV airwaves were flooded with campaign commercials, atypical for a state that usually doesn’t see high stakes political drama in the general election.
In his victory speech, Graham thanked supporters and promised to continue to take state interest to Washington and find common ground.
“Here’s the message I got. People like what I’m doing and I’m gonna keep doing it,” he said.
During his speech he spoke about national security, the presidential race, and how much support he had. He also went on to say he received two phone calls since the results, one from President Donald Trump and another from his opponent, Jamie Harrison.
According to Graham, he was overwhelmed and challenged, but felt lots of support. At the end of his speech, Graham got a bit emotional.
“What I’m going to do is take the spirit of this win and harness it and do the best I can, as long as I can,” Graham said.
Jamie Harrison gave a speech moments before Graham. Majority whip Jim Clyburn said a few words about Harrison before he took the stage.
“He didn’t get elected to the US Senate tonight, but Jaime is a real winner,” Clyburn said.
Harrison began his speech by thanking supporters, and reciting the state motto, “While I breathe, I hope.”
“We proved that a new south is rising. Tonight only slowed us down.”
Harrison went on to talk about the work he hopes will continue in SC with rural communities, healthcare, agriculture and more. He congratulated Graham, and says he hopes they can continue to work towards the new south together.
“We are strong, we are resourceful, we are brave, we are South Carolinians, and we will build a new south, together. While we breathe we hope, my friends.” Harrison said.
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