Jaime Harrison says he's still hopeful after South Carolina loss to Lindsey Graham

The Democrat said his campaign was proof that 'a new South is rising’

Democrat Jaime Harrison, who lost his challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham in Tuesday night's South Carolina senate race, said he was still hopeful for his future.  

"While I breathe, I hope," Mr Harrison said during his concession speech. "Well folks, I'm still breathing, and I still have hope."  

Despite Mr Harrison's impressive fundraising efforts and polls suggesting he had a slight edge on Mr Graham, the former Democratic lobbyist lost by more than 10 percentage points on Tuesday.  

Mr Harrison managed to amass a war chest of more than $100m, blowing away Mr Graham's $67m.  

During his victory speech, Mr Graham accused pollsters of incompetence and took the opportunity to twist the knife by telling liberals in New York and California that "they wasted a lot of money."  

Liberals from across the country donated to Mr Harrison's campaign in hopes of unseating Mr Graham, who is generally an ally of Donald Trump and who led the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.  

Mr Graham has beaten all of his previous challengers by double-digit margins.  

Mr Harrison thanked his supporters and said his race was proof that a "new South is rising."

"Tonight only slowed us down," Mr Harrison said. "But a new South with leaders who reflect the community and serve the interests of everyone will be here soon enough."

Mr Harrison was the first African American chair elected to the South Carolina Democratic Party in 2013. He held the position until 2017.  

Prior to attaining office, Mr Harrison was a lobbyist for numerous industries, including coal, tobacco and banks.  

Ultimately, the contest between Mr Graham and Mr Harrison was the most expensive Senate race in the state's history.