Full Breakdown
Trump’s Anti-Trans Slur Targets Democratic Senate Candidate in South Carolina
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Monday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social a message that repeatedly referred to Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews with an anti-transgender slur. The post urged South Carolina voters to support incumbent Republican Sen. Darline Graham and declared that Andrews “is not for South Carolina.” Trump’s three-time use of the slur sparked immediate condemnation from LGBTQ-rights groups and senior Democrats.
Background & Context
The seat became vacant after Sen. Lindsey Graham died on July 11, 2026. Governor Henry McMaster appointed his sister, Darline Graham, to fill the remainder of the term. Graham secured the Republican nomination in a runoff, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman by roughly five percentage points. The race has drawn national attention because South Carolina has not elected a Democratic senator in nearly three decades. Early in the campaign, the Cook Political Report rated the contest “Solid Republican,” but two weeks later shifted the rating to “Likely Republican” as Andrews’ campaign gained traction.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Race rating: Some outlets still describe the race as “solidly Republican,” despite the Cook Report’s shift.
- Polling data: RealClearPolitics provides a 2.4-point GOP lead, while other sources cite “low polling numbers” for Andrews without margins.
- Graham’s campaign response: The incumbent’s campaign has not publicly addressed Trump’s slur, leaving the Republican side’s official stance unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “And South Carolina must show, in the upcoming Election, that it is not for her,” — Donald Trump
- “Annie ‘Trannie’ Andrews is running against our wonderful Darline Graham for the Senate in South Carolina,” — Donald Trump
- “As a mom and a pediatrician, I’m in this race to fight for my patients, my three kids, and South Carolina,” — Annie Andrews
- “Elections don’t have to be about cruelty and lies,” — David Beasley, former South Carolina governor
What’s Next
Trump has indicated plans to campaign for Graham later this month, and both candidates will appear on the ballot in the November midterm election. Voters will decide whether the controversy influences turnout in a race analysts deem “truly competitive.”