Sen. Darline Graham (R) and pediatrician Annie Andrews (D) met on stage Sunday for their only debate in the South Carolina Senate race, and the encounter quickly turned combative. Graham sought to paint Andrews as a left-wing extremist, while Andrews countered that the first-term senator lacks the backbone to stand up to the White House.
The debate, hosted by South Carolina ETV and Public Radio in Columbia, also included Libertarian candidate Kasie Whitener, a radio host and professor. Graham enters the general election as the clear favorite; Decision Desk HQ gives her a 70 percent chance of victory in November.
Early Exchanges Set the Tone
Within minutes, Graham went after Andrews' policy positions, labeling her a "radical liberal" and accusing her of backing "government-run health care for all." "We are already $40 trillion in national debt," Graham said. "She will bankrupt our country."
Andrews, however, has previously said she supports a public option for the Affordable Care Act, not Medicare for All, which she described as "a policy from a few decades ago." She also jabbed at Graham for dropping the surname "Nordone" after taking office, implying it was a move to ride on the coattails of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R). "Unlike my opponent, I haven't changed my name recently," Andrews said. Graham fired back that she kept the name to honor her late parents.
National Security Under Scrutiny
Andrews repeatedly invoked a gaffe Graham made during her primary runoff debate, when she admitted, "I'm not that informed on national security." Andrews likened it to a surgeon who doesn't know appendectomies. "South Carolina, if your surgeon said that appendectomies aren't really his thing, would you still hand him a scalpel? No."
Graham defended her honesty, saying voters appreciate that she admits what she doesn't know. "At least I'm honest," she shot back. "You are deceiving the people of South Carolina."
Debate Challenge Rejected
Andrews twice pressed Graham to agree to additional debates before Election Day, noting she had committed to three more. Graham declined, arguing that the single face-off was sufficient. The exchange highlighted the contrasting strategies: Andrews seeking more exposure, Graham aiming to protect her lead.
The debate also touched on the war with Iran, where Andrews criticized Graham for voting to continue hostilities. "My opponent is the only one on this stage who had the opportunity to vote to end the war, but three times in a row she voted to continue it," Andrews said.
With just weeks until the election, the debate may be the last time voters see the candidates side-by-side. As the race enters its final stretch, national Republicans are watching other contests, including North Carolina's Senate race, where resources are being redirected. Meanwhile, Graham's allies point to her early legislative work, while Andrews campaigns on fresh leadership. The outcome in South Carolina could have implications for the broader Senate map, as seen in heated debates in Michigan and other states.
