Full Breakdown
Annie Andrews Faces Anti-Trans Attacks in South Carolina Senate Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Candidate Responds to Trump’s Slur with New Ad
Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews released a 30-second television advertisement after President Donald Trump posted an anti-transgender slur targeting her on Truth Social. In the ad, Andrews, a pediatrician and mother of three, reiterates her opposition to “biological men playing women’s sports” and states she does not support gender-affirming surgery for minors. She says the ad is meant to refocus the campaign on health-care and cost-of-living issues rather than personal attacks.
Background & Context
Trans-rights have become a wedge issue in the 2026 midterms. Republican candidates and super-PACs have repeatedly used anti-trans rhetoric to challenge Democratic opponents, echoing a strategy that proved effective against former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. In South Carolina, the race gained national attention after Trump endorsed Republican nominee Darline Graham Nordone and posted the slur three times. The state’s 2022 “Save Women’s Sports” law, which bans transgender athletes from competing on teams that match their gender identity, has been a focal point of the debate. Andrews previously called that law “shameful” and pledged to support trans youth, a stance she now qualifies while maintaining her position on sports participation and surgical care.
Data & Statistics
- Recent polls show Darline Graham holding a one-point lead over Andrews.
- The Senate Leadership Fund has committed $5 million to the contest.
- MAGA Inc. PAC spent more than $800,000 supporting Graham’s primary runoff victory.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump’s Truth Social post framed Andrews as “not for South Carolina” and used a trans-gender slur while praising Graham as a “high-quality person.” Graham’s campaign spokesperson T.W. Arrighi called Andrews “bad medicine for South Carolina” and accused her of lying about her record. Andrews’ campaign emphasized health-care affordability, insulin-price caps, and Medicare drug-price negotiations, saying the slur would not distract from those priorities. The Human Rights Campaign condemned Trump’s remarks as “disgusting” and warned that such attacks legitimize anti-trans rhetoric.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t support biological men playing women’s sports, and I don’t support and haven’t ever performed gender surgery for minors.” — Dr. Annie Andrews
- “I’m going to work with anyone to put South Carolina first, because lowering costs and making life better for families across our state is going to take all of us working together,” — Dr. Annie Andrews
Timeline
- October 7, 2026 – Andrews tells reporters that Trump’s attack will not distract her from health-care and cost-of-living issues.
- September 11 – Deadline for the first debate between Andrews and Graham.
What’s Next
The candidates are slated to meet for their first debate on September 11. Both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing policy issues while navigating the anti-trans narrative that dominates national attention in the race.