Two South Carolina Governors Back Democrat for Senate
Former leaders David Beasley and Jim Hodges join forces to support Annie Andrews in a race that has become closer than expected.
By Emma Mehta ·
Former South Carolina governors David Beasley and Jim Hodges released a joint endorsement for Democratic candidate Annie Andrews on Sunday. The pair, who represent opposite sides of the state's political divide, are urging voters to back the pediatrician in her bid to unseat incumbent Darline Graham.
Andrews is challenging Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham and a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump. The contest has evolved into a tight race in a state that has historically favored Republican candidates. The unusual alliance between the two former leaders aims to shift the momentum in Andrews' favor.
In the endorsement video, Beasley criticized the current national political climate. He stated, 'This country is too divided, and the political rhetoric has gotten way, way out of hand.' Hodges added that he supports Andrews because 'she's willing to put people ahead of politics.'
Beasley, a Democrat-turned-Republican who served as governor from 1995 to 1999, lost his re-election bid to Hodges in 1998. The two men acknowledged in their joint message that they do not agree on every issue. However, they argued that they share a belief that Andrews is the best choice to prioritize the state's interests.
Last week, Beasley published an opinion piece in the Charleston Post and Courier. In that column, he described the Republican Party under Trump as 'heartbreaking.' He wrote that too many party members have focused on tearing others down rather than governing with compassion. Beasley concluded that the current direction of the party is not the one he considers himself part of.
Recent polling data indicates that Graham still maintains a lead over Andrews. However, the nonpartisan Cook Political Report recently adjusted its rating for the state. The rating moved from 'Likely Republican' to 'Lean Republican,' suggesting a shift in the electoral outlook.
South Carolina is not the only battleground state seeing cross-party support. In Kansas, former Republican governors Bill Graves and Mike Hayden endorsed Democrat Adam Hamilton. In Texas, Democratic nominee James Talarico received backing from more than 20 Republican leaders and members of the Bush family. Similar endorsements have occurred in Georgia, Montana, Florida, Virginia, Illinois, and South Dakota.
Source: The Guardian
