Senate and Gubernatorial Candidates Make Final Appeals in Illinois and South Carolina

U.S. Senate and gubernatorial candidates in Illinois and South Carolina conducted final campaign pushes on November 2 and 3, 2026, ahead of Election Day.

In Illinois, Republican Don Tracy and Independent Whitfield Harrington Jr. are competing to replace Senator Dick Durbin. Tracy is focusing on reducing the cost of living for working families and bridging the divide between Chicago and downstate communities. Harrington has criticized his opponents for lacking detailed solutions and a clear vision. Democratic candidate Juliana Stratton declined recent interview requests as the election approached.

In South Carolina, Democratic nominee Annie Andrews held an Election Eve rally in Charleston, advocating for term limits, healthcare access, and ending the war in Iran. She is challenging incumbent Senator Darline Graham, who campaigned in Spartanburg, Seneca, and Cayce by highlighting her pro-life stance and alignment with conservative leaders.

Simultaneously, South Carolina voters are choosing a successor to term-limited Governor Henry McMaster. Republican nominee Alan Wilson, the current polling front-runner, is emphasizing his background as a prosecutor and combat veteran to advocate for government modernization. Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson is campaigning as a political outsider, arguing that voter frustration with long-term Republican dominance creates an opportunity for change.