South Carolina Senate candidates debate Trump, Iran war and AI data centers
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Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews sparred over President Donald Trump’s tax bill, gas prices, the Iran conflict and AI data-center policy in a televised debate.
Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews faced off Sunday night in Columbia, discussing President Donald Trump’s tax legislation, rising fuel costs, the war with Iran and the expansion of AI data centers. Graham, who was appointed to fill her brother Lindsey Graham’s seat after his death, highlighted personal experience with Social Security and said she supports suspending the gas tax and easing drilling regulations to lower prices. Andrews accused Graham of voting to continue the Iran war, linking it to higher gas and diesel prices, and criticized the incumbent’s stance on national-security issues.
Andrews argued for a two-year moratorium on new data-center construction, citing concerns over rate increases and local control, while Graham warned that halting data-center development could let China outpace the United States in artificial-intelligence capabilities. Graham defended her vote for the Ratepayer Protection Act, which shifts higher energy costs from consumers to AI firms, and said communities should decide on data-center siting.
Both candidates claimed they would prioritize South Carolina’s interests, with Andrews emphasizing support for the Second Amendment, secure borders and deportation of illegal immigrants who break the law, and Graham stressing her personal connection to Social Security benefits after her parents’ early deaths. The debate also featured Libertarian candidate Kasie Whitener.