South Carolina Senate debate: Graham attacks Andrews as ‘socialist’
During a South Carolina Senate debate, Republican Darline Graham labeled Democrat Annie Andrews a ‘socialist’ and accused Democrats of cheering the Oct. 7 attacks, while Andrews pushed back on name‑change claims.
Republican Sen. Darline Graham accused Democratic challenger Annie Andrews of aligning with ‘socialist Democrats’ and claimed Democrats cheered the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. The clash highlights deep intra‑party tensions and personal attacks that could shape South Carolina’s Senate race.
In a heated October 11, 2026 debate for South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat, Republican Sen. Darline Graham accused Democratic challenger Dr. Annie Andrews of being a “socialist Democrat” and alleged that Democrats in New York celebrated the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks that killed over a thousand people. Andrews insisted she would stand up to her own party and jabbed that, unlike her opponent, she hadn't changed her name recently. Graham was appointed to the seat after the death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, according to Fox News.
What we know
The debate, which also featured Libertarian candidate Kasie Whitener, took place on Sunday night. Graham said she was “concerned about the socialist Democrats,” adding that after the Oct. 7 attacks, “Democrats in New York cheered ‘over the death of over a thousand people.’” She further claimed that Andrews would “join them” rather than oppose the party.
Andrews fired back, stating, "I will stand up to my own party and always put South Carolina first." She also referenced Graham’s script, noting the Republican had called her “Bernie, Ocasio, Mamdani.” Andrews emphasized, “my name is Annie Andrews. And there shouldn’t be any confusion about that because unlike my opponent, I haven’t changed my name recently.”
Graham defended her own name, explaining that she kept the Graham surname after losing her parents as a child, saying, “my legal name is Graham and has always been Graham.”
The debate followed Governor Henry McMaster’s appointment of Darline Graham to fill the remainder of her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham’s term after his death. President Donald Trump has publicly backed Darline Graham for a full six‑year term.
Key moments
- Graham’s accusation that Democrats celebrated the Oct. 7 attacks.
- Andrews’ rebuttal that she will stand up to her party and has not changed her name.
- Graham’s personal story about retaining the Graham surname after her parents’ death.
- President Trump’s endorsement of Graham for a full term.
Sources
File photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0