In a bold move that has already garnered significant attention, Dr. Annie Andrews, the South Carolina Democrat who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Nancy Mace in 2022, has announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026. Andrews, a pediatrician from Charleston, intends to challenge Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a four-term incumbent, and bring fresh leadership to the Senate. Her decision to run stems from her dissatisfaction with Graham’s shifting political positions and what she views as his failure to stand firm on important issues. In a statement to The Associated Press, Andrews expressed frustration with the senator’s political track record, saying, “He’s changed his position on nearly every issue over that time, and that’s because, in my view, he doesn’t stand for anything or believe in anything other than what it takes to get reelected.”
Andrews enters the race with significant political experience, having run for Congress in 2022. While she ultimately lost to Mace by a 14-percentage-point margin, her campaign in South Carolina’s 1st District, which spans the state’s southern coast, brought her into the spotlight as a formidable challenger. Her bid for the Senate is aimed at shifting the political balance in South Carolina, where no Democrat has won a U.S. Senate seat in recent memory, and Republicans have dominated statewide elections by double-digit margins.
Her announcement video, set to roll out Thursday, sharply criticizes Graham for what she perceives as his flip-flopping on key political issues, especially his relationship with former President Donald Trump. In the video, Andrews calls it “embarrassing” to witness how politicians like Graham, who once criticized Trump, later sought to gain his favor. She includes archival footage of Graham, who once described Trump as a “kook,” before later embracing him as a key ally in the Senate. This flip-flop in Graham’s stance is central to Andrews’ critique of his political career.
In her video, Andrews also takes aim at Graham’s actions during Trump’s presidency, particularly his votes to confirm Trump’s Cabinet picks, which she describes as a betrayal of the American people. Additionally, Andrews criticizes Graham for his ties to Elon Musk, calling the billionaire “unelected” and accusing him of undermining Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ healthcare. She references Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, mocking him as “a guy who can’t even organize a text thread,” a jibe aimed at Hegseth’s involvement in the recent Signal chat scandal that revealed discussions about military strategies. This sharp critique forms the core of Andrews’ campaign messaging, positioning herself as a strong alternative to Graham’s political brand.
South Carolina’s political landscape has been historically dominated by Republicans, with Graham having won his last election in 2020 by a 10-percentage-point margin. That race became one of the most expensive Senate campaigns in the country, with Graham’s opponent, Jaime Harrison, raising a record-breaking $100 million. Despite Harrison’s extensive fundraising efforts, the Democratic Party has struggled to make significant inroads in South Carolina, and no Democrat has managed to secure a Senate seat in recent decades. Andrews acknowledges the difficulties of running in a state with such a strong Republican hold but believes that the current political climate, particularly the chaotic policies of the Trump administration, has left many voters feeling disillusioned and ready for change.
As a pediatrician and mother, Andrews is particularly passionate about issues affecting children, including climate change, gun violence, and childhood poverty. After her 2022 run for Congress, Andrews stepped away from her position at the Medical University of South Carolina and founded a political organization dedicated to advocating for children’s rights. Through her nonprofit, she has worked on issues such as education, healthcare, and the environment, with a focus on empowering future generations to thrive. This mission was reflected in her political action committee, Their Future PAC, which contributed $7,000 to various candidates in the 2024 cycle. With a strong foundation in community service and a clear platform, Andrews hopes to bring these concerns to the national stage as she prepares for her Senate campaign.
Andrews’ candidacy adds to the growing list of Democratic challengers vying for the chance to unseat Graham in 2026. While she is currently the most high-profile contender from the Democratic Party, at least one other Democrat has already announced their intent to run. As for Graham, he remains focused on securing a fifth term in the Senate and has launched his reelection campaign, touting support from top South Carolina Republicans, including Governor Henry McMaster and Senator Tim Scott, who is serving as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
The race for the Senate seat is shaping up to be a contentious one, with both parties likely to pour significant resources into the campaign. Graham, as a prominent figure in the Senate and one of Trump’s most vocal allies, remains a powerful political force. However, Andrews believes that South Carolinians are ready for change. She argues that Graham has had over 20 years to improve conditions in the state but has failed to deliver meaningful progress. “Lindsey Graham has had 22 years to make things better for folks here in South Carolina, and I think you’d be hard-pressed to find many voters who could articulate in what way Lindsey has made their life better,” Andrews said, emphasizing the disconnect she believes exists between Graham’s long tenure in the Senate and the lived realities of South Carolina voters.
The 2026 Senate race promises to be one of the most closely watched and expensive political contests in the state’s history. Both Graham and Andrews are expected to raise significant campaign funds, with Andrews likely to tap into national Democratic fundraising networks given her track record in 2020. The national political landscape will also play a key role in shaping the race, with the outcomes of the 2024 presidential election influencing voter turnout and engagement.
In recent years, the political dynamics in South Carolina have been shifting. While Republicans continue to dominate statewide elections, the state has seen increasing support for Democrats in local races and urban areas, particularly in Charleston, where Andrews has her roots. The changing demographics of South Carolina, along with growing concerns about healthcare, education, and climate change, could make the 2026 race more competitive than previous elections. Andrews’ platform, which emphasizes issues like expanding healthcare access and addressing the climate crisis, could resonate with younger voters and suburban communities who are increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo.
Graham’s political record, particularly his close ties to Trump and his role in confirming controversial Cabinet nominees, may serve as a liability in the 2026 race, particularly as voters in South Carolina become more attuned to national issues like healthcare reform and climate action. Graham’s supporters, however, will point to his long tenure in the Senate and his role in securing federal resources for the state, including funding for infrastructure projects and military bases.
For Andrews, the 2026 Senate race represents both a challenge and an opportunity. With a clear vision for the future of South Carolina and a platform focused on issues that directly impact the state’s residents, Andrews hopes to galvanize voters who are looking for fresh leadership in Washington. Her background as a pediatrician and community advocate gives her a unique perspective on the issues facing South Carolina, and she intends to use her campaign to advocate for policies that prioritize children, families, and the future of the state.
As the race heats up, the question remains whether South Carolina voters will be willing to embrace a new direction or continue to support the long-standing Republican leadership that has defined the state’s politics for decades. With high stakes and a competitive field, the 2026 Senate race in South Carolina will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched political contests in the country.
The post Dr. Annie Andrews Announces Run for U.S. Senate in 2026, Challenging Incumbent Lindsey Graham first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
The post Dr. Annie Andrews Announces Run for U.S. Senate in 2026, Challenging Incumbent Lindsey Graham first appeared on Voxtrend News.
