U.S. Sen. Darline Graham said Friday she will debate Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews on Oct. 11, accepting an invitation from SCETV in Columbia. It is the only debate both candidates have publicly committed to ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Graham, a Republican, announced her decision on X Friday evening, writing, “I’m in. On October 11, I will take the debate stage” and adding that she would use the night to attack what she called Andrews’ hidden positions.
Andrews confirmed that both campaigns accepted the SCETV invitation. She has pressed for a debate since Graham won the special Republican runoff on Aug. 25, challenging her opponent to at least three meetings around the state and pointing to costs, health care and rural hospitals as the issues voters want addressed.
For voters in York and Lancaster counties, the SCETV broadcast will likely be the first chance to watch the two candidates answer the same questions at the same time.
The debate is scheduled for Oct. 11. The general election is Nov. 3.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
