South Carolina Senate candidates exchange sharp attacks in televised debate

Incumbent Republican Senator Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews clashed on Sunday night during the South Carolina Senate debate. The Washington Examiner, AP News, and the Post and Courier reported that candidates exchanged sharp attacks and barbs throughout the event. WRDW noted that candidate Whitener also participated in the debate. [1][3][4][6]

The debate was hosted, broadcast, and livestreamed by South Carolina ETV and Public Radio on October 11 at 7 p.m. Eastern time, as FTMQ News reported earlier. The event marked the only Senate debate between the primary candidates, according to the Post and Courier. [3][8]

During the broadcast, Graham targeted Andrews over her progressive platform. The Washington Examiner reported that Graham labeled Andrews as the most radical liberal to ever run for state office in South Carolina. Graham claimed Andrews supports policies including Medicare for All and open borders, and described her as a pediatrician who cannot define what a woman is. [1]

Personal feuding continued across the stage throughout the evening. Newsweek reported that Graham responded directly to a remark from Andrews regarding her last name. The exchange prompted Graham to call the comment despicable, according to the Washington Examiner. [1][5]

The debate comes ahead of the general election for the South Carolina Senate seat, which takes place on November 3, 2026, as FTMQ News reported earlier. [8]