Lindsey Graham has served 17 years in the Senate, but Jaime Harrison is giving Graham a run for his money, literally.
Harrison, who is challenging Graham for his seat, has seen unprecedented financial support in recent months. Additionally, Harrison has also received endorsements from a bevy of Democrats including potential Vice President Kamala Harris and Majority Whip James Clyburn.
Now, a new poll is showing even more good news for Harrison. On Monday, The Cook Political Report shifted its Senate race projection for the state of South Carolina from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican.”
The shift comes on the heels of a Quinnipiac poll released this month that had Harrison and Graham deadlocked at 44%. However, Graham doesn’t seem too bothered by the pressure. According to The State, Graham has attributed Harrison’s gains in the race to “skewed polls and millions of liberal dollars from California.”
However, reports are showing that Graham’s favorability in South Carolina has dropped. Graham was known as a lawmaker who was willing to work with Democrats for the good of the country and was once a challenger of President Trump. However, since Trump was elected he has become a hardline supporter of the president.
Harrison, who represented South Carolina during the DNC roll call on Tuesday, said Graham used to get support from Democrats and Independents and Republicans.
“This new Lindsey Graham is not getting that type of support. And it’s because people want to send him home. They are tired of the pandering,” Harrison told Essence.
The Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has also caused problems for Graham. With a second coronavirus relief package on hold, many residents in South Carolina are almost down to their last dollar.
“Lindsey Graham’s response to this pandemic has made it clear: The people of this state are tired of an elected official more concerned about playing political games than he is about finding solutions to urgent problems,” Harrison’s spokesman Guy King said. “Every day, more voters are turning toward Jaime Harrison, who they know will bring back integrity and principled leadership to this U.S. Senate seat.”