“We Need Adults in the Room”: Annie Andrews Brings Fire to Camden in Bid to Unseat Lindsey Graham
- CUBNSC
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
By Javar Juarez, Columbia Urban Broadcast Network
Camden, South Carolina — This evening, Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician turned Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, delivered a fiery and unscripted call to action before a packed crowd in Kershaw County. Her target: Senator Lindsey Graham, a figure she described as “career corrupt” and beholden to Donald Trump’s whims.
“Lindsey Graham has been in the U.S. Senate for 22 years, and until my birthday this weekend, that is literally half of my lifetime,” Andrews told the audience, reminding them of Graham’s dismal 34% approval rating. “He doesn’t care, because all he cares about is keeping his corporate donors, his billionaire donors, and Donald Trump happy. And we deserve so much better.”
Andrews, who built her career as a pediatrician caring for South Carolina’s children, drew on two decades of firsthand experience witnessing families struggle under broken systems.
“When you go to work every day at a children’s hospital, you can’t help but notice all the ways in which our society has put up barriers to our children achieving their best and brightest possible future,” she said. “We need to rebalance everything. We need adults in the room.”
The crowd erupted when South Carolina Rep. Robert Reese asked Andrews what her message was to people of color in Kershaw County. Her response was candid:
“White women, we need to get our shit together and stand shoulder to shoulder with Black women to get results for South Carolina.”
That moment underscored Andrews’ willingness to tackle questions that many candidates dodge, especially in a county where turnout among voters of color remains a critical factor.
Andrews also took aim at MAGA-aligned candidates like Project 2025 co-author Paul Dan. When asked what she would say to him, Andrews didn’t hesitate: “Sit down, sir.”
Her campaign, she reminded supporters, is about more than partisan labels. “This isn’t about right versus left or Republican versus Democrat. This is about whether we continue to tolerate politicians bought out by billionaires, or whether we elect leaders who will actually serve us,” Andrews declared.
Beyond children’s issues, Andrews highlighted plans for veterans, seniors, and rural communities, noting the chaos Trump-era policies have unleashed on South Carolina’s economy. She criticized looming Medicaid cuts, which she said will devastate maternal and pediatric care across the state. “This is going to devastate our state’s healthcare system,” she warned.
For Andrews, winning in 2026 means more than securing a Senate seat. “We need leaders who inspire people to get out and vote,” she said. “If Paul Dan and Lindsey Graham want to keep playing politics with our lives, I’ve got news for them: we are done being silent. It’s time to win elections.”
As the event closed, Andrews made her case plain:
“Lindsey’s had 22 years. Give me a chance. If you hate me in six years, vote for the next Republican. But we as a state have to recognize that we aren’t doing so well, and it’s time to try something new.”
With 15 months until the 2026 general election, Annie Andrews has made clear she intends to give South Carolina a choice: a senator who blows with the political winds—or one willing to plant her feet for children, families, and the future of democracy.
The CUBN is a proud member of the South Carolina Press Association.
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Ain’t no way. And got the nerve to say “stand with Black women” when she don’t stand with Black women.
I remember when she ran for Congress. She was ringing down my sister’s phone asking for help. Once the campaign was over we couldn’t get her to return a text message. Not to mention what she did to the sister down there in Myrtle Beach. Chile sit down.