Senate Debate Sparks Clash Between Graham and Andrews

During the South Carolina U.S. Senate debate on Sunday, Republican Senator Darline Graham and her Democratic opponent Annie Andrews exchanged sharp words. Libertarian candidate Kasie Whitener also participated in the debate.

Senator Graham expressed concern about what she called “socialist Democrats.” She claimed that after the attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, some Democrats in New York appeared to celebrate the loss of over a thousand lives. Graham stated, “Annie Andrews will not stand up to the socialist Democratic Party. She’s only going to join them.”

Annie Andrews responded, asserting her independence. “I told you my opponent was going to call me a socialist, and she’s done it again,” Andrews said. She referred to being labeled like figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Andrews emphasized that she has not changed her name and insisted her identity is clear: “My name is Annie Andrews.”

Andrews argued that, unlike Graham, she would prioritize the needs of South Carolina and stand up to her own party when necessary. She criticized Graham for prioritizing political scripts over the state’s representation. “The real difference between me and Sen. Graham is that I will stand up to my own party and I will always put South Carolina first,” Andrews declared.

In response, Graham noted that her legal name has always been Graham, explaining that she kept the name to stay connected to her parents, who she lost as a child. “Every document I have ever signed has Graham on it,” she added.

After the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to complete her brother’s term. President Donald Trump has endorsed Senator Graham for a full six-year Senate term.