<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/south-carolina/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">South Carolina</a> Senate Democratic candidate Annie Andrews released <a href="https://x.com/AnnieAndrewsMD/status/2089861678074663350?s=20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">her first ad</a> of the general election on Wednesday after Sen. <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/darline-graham-nordone/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Darline Graham Nordone</a> (R-SC) secured the GOP nomination in the special primary runoff on Tuesday night.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Graham Nordone won the runoff election against Rep. <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/ralph-norman/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ralph Norman</a> (R-SC), receiving 52.3% of the vote compared to Norman’s 47.7% in the race to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the race set between the two candidates, both aiming to become South Carolina’s first female senator, Andrews’s new ad highlights her experience as a pediatrician.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“When I put on this coat, I carry the weight of every patient’s trust,” Andrews stated in the 30-second video. “We should expect the same from our leaders. I’m Dr. Annie Andrews. I’m a mom to three kids and a pediatrician. I’m running for Senate to lower healthcare costs. Go after insurance companies ripping us off, and I’ll work with Republicans to cut taxes and keep your family safe. I approve this message because my life’s work has been about helping people. You deserve a senator who does the same.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Andrews launched her Senate campaign in May 2025, emphasizing Lindsey Graham’s connection to the Trump administration. Following Graham’s death and Graham Nordone’s appointment to the office, Andrews has portrayed the new nominee as lacking experience.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Andrews referenced a clip of Graham Nordone from a debate with Norman, in which the senator stated she was “not that informed” on national security.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Darline Graham Nordone is asking for six years as South Carolina’s senator — during wartime — yet has the gall to tell voters ‘national security isn’t my thing,'” Andrews remarked regarding Graham’s response. “South Carolina deserves better.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On the campaign trail, Andrews has focused on affordability, particularly on lowering healthcare costs. Her campaign also includes expanding abortion rights, ending tax breaks for the wealthy, and reducing the influence of money in politics. Her campaign website continues to frame her policies in opposition to Graham.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While Andrews has aligned her campaign with other successful Democratic candidates nationwide, Graham Nordone enters the general election with endorsements from President Donald Trump, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), and several other prominent South Carolina figures.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Graham Nordone has positioned herself as a supporter of Trump’s policies, prepared to uphold the president's agenda and continue her brother’s legacy.</p>