South Carolina Senate Candidate Annie Andrews Adjusts Stance on Transgender Athletes Amid Trump Criticism

<p>Annie Andrews, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina, has shifted her position regarding transgender athletes' participation in girls' sports. Previously opposed to legislation restricting such participation, she is now emphasizing her opposition to biological males competing in female athletics as former President Donald Trump criticizes her record ahead of the midterm elections.</p><p>Trump targeted Andrews in a series of posts on Truth Social, referring to her as "Annie Trannie" and accusing her of supporting transgender policies that do not align with the views of South Carolina voters.</p><p>He also shared an attack ad that claims Andrews supports biological males competing against female athletes, stating, "Annie Andrews is for they/them, not for our values, not for South Carolina." </p><p>In response, Andrews defended her position in an interview with Fox News Digital, asserting that her views have been misrepresented. "I don't support biological men playing in women's sports and I don't support gender surgery on minors," she stated.</p><p>This statement contrasts with her earlier public opposition to South Carolina's 2022 Save Women’s Sports Act, which aimed to restrict transgender athletes' participation in girls' and women's sports. At that time, Andrews described the legislation as "shameful" and "actively harmful," raising questions about her current campaign stance.</p><p>The Save Women’s Sports Act mandated that teams sponsored by public schools and colleges be designated as male or female, effectively barring male students from women's teams unless no women's team existed. The law also allowed students harmed by violations to sue schools.</p><p>As Andrews launched her 2026 Senate bid, her previous social media posts came under scrutiny, leading to pressure from Republican opponents. Trump remarked, "Annie 'Trannie' Andrews is running against our wonderful Darline Graham for the Senate in South Carolina," and criticized her positions on various issues.</p><p>In her interview, Andrews dismissed Trump's comments as distractions from key issues affecting South Carolinians, stating, "If calling me names is going to lower gas and diesel prices here for so many hardworking South Carolinian families... then he can call me all the names he wants but I don’t think that’s a path to solution." </p><p>Andrews did not immediately respond to further inquiries regarding whether her statements indicated a change in her stance. She also did not elaborate on her criticisms of the Save Women’s Sports Act.</p><p>Republican National Senatorial Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia criticized Andrews, claiming her remarks reflect desperation and a lack of respect for South Carolinians. He stated, "Annie Andrews' blatant lies show just how desperate she is and how little she thinks of South Carolinians. But nothing Andrews says or does will change her far-left record." </p><p>Andrews has faced similar criticisms in the past for perceived retreats from her positions on transgender policies. In 2022, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., accused Andrews of attempting to distance herself from her opposition to a bill that would restrict medical procedures for minors related to gender transition.</p><p>Andrews previously described that bill as "dangerous," but later stated she opposed trans procedures for minors. Mace remarked, "It’s really hard to play hide and seek from your public comments, because once you tweet it, it’s on their public record forever." </p><p>Andrews is not the only Democrat facing scrutiny over their positions on transgender policies. Other Democratic representatives have also had to clarify their stances as Republicans highlight their records.</p><p>Recent polling by the Pew Research Center indicates a significant portion of the public is uncomfortable with transgender athletes competing on teams that do not match their sex at birth. The report found that 73% of respondents were "not at all" or "not too" comfortable with such participation, while 66% supported laws requiring trans athletes to compete on teams that match their biological sex.</p><p>With the general election approaching on November 3, Andrews has cleared the Democratic primary earlier this year in June and is now addressing criticisms regarding her views.</p>