South Carolina Senate Candidates Clash Over Iran, AI and Trump
Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews faced off in a heated debate over the economy, national security, President Donald Trump and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. The contest is for a full six-year Senate term, and the winner will become the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from South Carolina.
The debate was held in Columbia and may be the only time the two major candidates meet on stage during the general election. Libertarian candidate Kasie Whitener also took part.
A Close Race In A Republican State
South Carolina has long been a strong Republican state, and Trump remains popular with many Republican voters. Still, the race has become closer near the end of the campaign. Democratic leaders believe Andrews could defeat Graham, who was appointed to the Senate seat after the sudden death of her brother, Lindsey Graham.
A leading Republican Senate political group has promised to spend $5 million to help Graham keep the seat.
Graham began the debate by speaking about her brother. She noted that the event came three months after his unexpected death at age 71.
Andrews, a pediatrician, argued that Graham lacks the experience needed to serve in the Senate. She also accused Graham of refusing to challenge Trump or policies that have become unpopular with voters.
Andrews called Graham “the White House’s ambassador to South Carolina,” suggesting that Graham follows the president instead of representing state residents.
Graham answered by describing Andrews as the most radical liberal to seek office in South Carolina. She accused Andrews of supporting the Democratic Socialist Party.
Both Candidates Try To Define The Other
Andrews rejected Graham’s description of her political views. She said Graham had been instructed to compare her with well-known progressive figures, including Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Zohran Mamdani.
“My name is Annie Andrews,” she said, arguing that voters should judge her record rather than political labels. Andrews said she supports the Second Amendment, wants a secure southern border and supports deporting immigrants who break the law.
She also said one of the main differences between the two candidates is that she would challenge members of her own party when necessary. Andrews promised to place South Carolina’s interests first.
Social Security And The Cost Of Living
The candidates also argued over Social Security as concerns grow about the program’s long-term finances.
Andrews said the government should raise the income limit used to calculate Social Security taxes so wealthy Americans pay more. She said the retirement age should not be increased.
She also accused Republicans, including Graham, of wanting to privatize Social Security so powerful people in Washington could make money from the program.
Graham said her personal history gives her a clear understanding of how important Social Security can be. She said the benefits helped support her and her brother after their parents died at a young age.
Graham defended Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill,” saying it reduced taxes on tips and Social Security. She criticized Andrews for calling the legislation “one big, ugly bill” and accused her of misleading South Carolina voters.
The two candidates disagreed over the rising cost of gasoline and other goods. Graham said she had experienced living paycheck to paycheck and understood the pressure many families face. She supported suspending the gas tax and reducing drilling rules, saying greater energy production could lower prices over time.
Iran War Becomes A Major Fight
Andrews blamed Graham for high gas and diesel prices. She pointed to Graham’s votes against measures that would have limited Trump’s power to continue military action against Iran.
Andrews said the war had helped drive up energy costs, hurting farmers and raising prices across the economy. She argued that Graham had several chances to vote to end the conflict but chose to support continuing it.
Andrews also attacked Graham for saying in an earlier debate that national security was not her strongest area. She compared the statement to a surgeon saying that performing an appendectomy was not his specialty.
“Would you still hand him a scalpel?” Andrews asked. She said voters should not give Graham a full Senate term because she viewed her as unprepared and unqualified.
Graham said she wants the war to end, as do most Americans, but believes the country must use peace through strength to protect itself.
She then accused Andrews of being dishonest and changing her positions on major issues. Graham said she was willing to admit when she did not know something, while claiming Andrews had made misleading statements to voters.
Artificial Intelligence And Data Centers
New data centers that support artificial intelligence companies have become another major issue in the Senate race. These facilities can use large amounts of electricity, raising concerns about higher utility bills and the effect on local communities.
Andrews attacked Graham over the issue and gave her the nickname “Data Center Darline.” Andrews proposed a two-year pause on new data center construction. Her plan would also protect customers from higher electric rates and return more decision-making power to local governments.
Graham warned that stopping all data center construction could hurt the United States in its competition with China. She said a lengthy pause could allow China to move far ahead in artificial intelligence, creating a national security risk.
Graham pointed to her support for the Ratepayer Protection Act. The measure is designed to require artificial intelligence companies to cover more of the extra energy costs linked to their data centers instead of passing those costs on to households.
Graham said local communities should decide whether data centers are built in their areas. Andrews argued that stronger limits and protections are needed before more projects move forward.
The debate showed how sharply the candidates differ on the economy, military policy, technology and the role of the federal government. Voters will decide which vision should guide South Carolina in the Senate.