Myrtle Beach, S.C. — The Horry County Republican Party hosted a watch party at Journey Church in Myrtle Beach on Sunday night as the candidates for the South Carolina U.S. Senate seat met in what is currently set to be the only debate of the race.
The hourlong debate at the SCETV building in Columbia featured Democrat Annie Andrews, Republican U.S. Sen. Darline Graham and Libertarian Kasie Whitener. Graham was appointed to the seat by Gov. Henry McMaster after the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.
The candidates took questions on Iran, the economy and artificial intelligence, but much of the night centered on exchanges between Graham and Andrews. Andrews tied rising prices to the war in Iran, while Graham said the war was needed for national security. The two also split over the One Big Beautiful Bill and its Medicaid changes.
Whitener presented herself as an option for voters unenthused with either major-party candidate. With three women running, South Carolina is poised to elect its first woman to the U.S. Senate.
Early voting opens across South Carolina from Oct. 19 to 31, Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The general election is Nov. 3.
