Lean to the Left is a progressive media platform offering political commentary, fact-based news analysis, and expert interviews that expose threats to democracy and hold leaders accountable. Lean to the Left is an independent, evolving media platform. Member benefits will grow and adapt over time. Founded in 2017 as Not Fake News and rebranded in 2021, Lean to the Left brings together the work of journalist and author Bob Gatty and a talented team of contributing writers who deliver sharp, insightful content on the issues affecting Americans today.

Our podcast—launched as NFN Radio News before becoming The Lean to the Left Podcast—features weekly interviews with authors, activists, experts, and political insiders, with hard-hitting commentary on the challenges facing our nation. What began as a podcast has grown into a community of listeners and readers who care deeply about democracy, accountability, and civic engagement.

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July 20, 2026

After Lindsey Graham: Can Democrats Break Through in the South?

Show Notes

The Dixie Dems examine Graham’s open Senate seat, Democratic opportunities in three Southern states, and the election battles that could determine the outcome. To view the episode, click on the image above.

Lindsey Graham’s death has thrown South Carolina politics into turmoil—and may have created an unexpected opening for Democrats.

In this special summer edition of Dixie Dems, Bob Gatty of South Carolina, Arthur Hill of North Carolina, and Robert Thompson of Georgia examine the battle to replace Graham and the larger political forces reshaping the South.

They discuss Donald Trump’s preferred candidate for Graham’s Senate seat, Democratic opportunities in South Carolina, Roy Cooper’s campaign in North Carolina, the major races developing in Georgia, and growing concerns about voter suppression and voter-registration records.

The conversation also explores whether Democrats could produce a political “tsunami” in South Carolina by winning the Senate race, defeating Rep. Russell Fry, and capturing the governor’s office. Fry is one of several Republicans hoping to win the special Aug. 11 GOP primary, but Trump encouraged Graham’s sister, Interim Sen. Darline Graham Norton to run, which she has agreed to do.

In this episode

The Dixie Dems discuss:

The crowded Republican battle to replace Lindsey Graham
Whether Democrat Annie Andrews can make the Senate race competitive
John Vincent’s challenge to Rep. Russell Fry
Jermaine Johnson’s campaign for South Carolina governor
Roy Cooper’s strength in North Carolina
Republican efforts to limit early and Sunday voting
Jon Ossoff, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and key Georgia contests
Voter-registration purges and election-integrity concerns
Why voters should check their registrations before Election Day

The panel also discusses investigative reporter Alison Greene’s allegations involving voter-roll manipulation and her effort to recruit volunteers to examine South Carolina registration records. Those allegations remain contested and require independent verification, but the practical advice is clear: confirm your registration early and continue checking it as the election approaches.