Senator Mark Kelly Campaigned in South Carolina
The Arizona senator visited Mauldin to rally support for Democratic candidates ahead of the November election.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Elections
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Senator Mark Kelly campaigned for Senate candidate Annie Andrews and Congressional candidate Nancy Lacore at an event in Mauldin, South Carolina. The visit aimed to boost voter turnout with the general election just one month away.
Why it matters
Democratic candidates in South Carolina face the challenge of engaging voters who historically skip non-presidential election cycles. Senator Kelly emphasized the need for maximum voter outreach to avoid complacency and ensure high turnout this November.
A recent poll shows incumbent Lindsey Graham leading Annie Andrews by 1 percentage point. Senator Kelly has campaigned for Democratic candidates in over 15 states to bolster local outreach efforts.
The players
Mark Kelly
Mark Kelly is a Democratic U.S. Senator representing Arizona.
Annie Andrews
Annie Andrews is a Democratic candidate running for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina.
Nancy Lacore
Nancy Lacore is a Democratic candidate running for Congress.
Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Graham is the incumbent Republican U.S. Senator for South Carolina.
South Carolina Democratic Party
The South Carolina Democratic Party is the state-level organization managing local candidate support and voter outreach.
The details
The South Carolina Democratic Party is utilizing national surrogates like Senator Kelly to encourage participation among voters who typically only engage during presidential years. This strategy comes as the party works to overcome the gap in traditional voter activity for the upcoming general election.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: The Trafalgar Group released a poll showing a slim lead for the incumbent.
October 2, 2026: Senator Mark Kelly visited Mauldin, South Carolina, for a campaign event.
November 3, 2026: General election day.
Political Context
This campaign activity follows the Democratic National Committee's decision to name South Carolina the first presidential primary site for 2028. It highlights the party's structural effort to turn the state into a more competitive battleground for future cycles.
Residents in South Carolina may see increased campaign activity and advertising as candidates work to secure final votes before November 3. The heightened focus on voter turnout could result in more direct engagement from local party organizers in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to verify their registration status and prepare for the upcoming general election on November 3. Consistent participation in non-presidential cycles is often a deciding factor in tight legislative contests.
Further reading
For more background on state contests, visit South Carolina Elections.
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Do visits from national political figures encourage you to participate in local elections?
