Democrat Joe Cunningham flips South Carolina seat where Republicans ousted Rep. Mark Sanford

Democrat Joe Cunningham beat Republican Katie Arrington in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, handing an unexpected win to Democrats, The Associated Press reports. Arrington, endorsed by President Trump, defeated Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) in the Republican primary. The Charleston-area district voted for Trump in 2016 by 12 percentage points, 53 percent to 41 percent, and the Cook Political Report rates this an upset for Democrats.
Cunningham, 36, is a lawyer and former ocean engineer. He raised more money than Arrington and was endorsed by a number of Republican mayors. His opposition to offshore drilling and seismic testing proved popular in the coastal district.
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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
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