The Republicans’ most crushing defeat has come in South Carolina

The first surprise of election night – ultimately the only one that was entirely unexpected – came right at the start, in South Carolina. Democrat Annie Andrews defeated Darline Graham by a four-point margin. A deeply painful defeat not only for the outgoing Republican, but for the entire Grand Old Party: Darline is the sister of Lindsey Graham, the senator from the southern state who died suddenly last July. Well known not only at home but also abroad – despite being a late-comer to the Trump camp, he was an unwavering supporter of the Ukrainian cause, a truly rare occurrence – he was due to stand again in the November elections, seeking yet another term in office (he had been in the Senate since 2003).

Upon his death, Trump pressured the Republican governor to appoint his sister as interim governor. She accepted, though not entirely convinced, and was even less keen on seeking a full term. In the end, after a more hotly contested primary than expected, she won and put her seat on the line. Only to lose it. A stinging defeat, firstly because it was so decisive, and secondly because the South Carolina electorate really had it in for her: on the same ballot paper, in fact, voters were also choosing the governor. And the winner was the Republican Alan Wilson, by a five-point margin. One voter explained to CNN what had happened: “I don’t know if Darline has the right skills.” Therein lies the problem with the candidates, which, at least to some extent, contributed to dealing a heavy blow to the Republican Party.