Former Governors Endorse Annie Andrews for Senate
South Carolina governors David Beasley and Jim Hodges are backing Annie Andrews in her bid for the U.S. Senate.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Elections
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Former South Carolina governors David Beasley and Jim Hodges have formally endorsed Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the state's U.S. Senate race. The bipartisan support was announced through a video published by the Andrews campaign.
Why it matters
The endorsements from these former state leaders emphasize a call for leadership that moves beyond the political fighting currently present in Washington. This move aims to reshape the electoral narrative as candidates compete for the seat held by incumbent Republican Senator Darline Graham.
The U.S. Senate race includes Democrat Annie Andrews, Republican incumbent Darline Graham, Libertarian Kasie Whitener, and Constitution Party candidate Mark Hackett. These endorsements serve as a formal statement of support for the Democratic challenger.
The players
David Beasley
He is a former Republican governor of South Carolina who served between 1995 and 1999.
Jim Hodges
He is a former Democratic governor of South Carolina who held the office from 1999 to 2003.
Annie Andrews
She is the Democratic candidate running for the U.S. Senate seat representing South Carolina.
Darline Graham
She is the incumbent Republican senator currently defending her seat in South Carolina.
The details
David Beasley and Jim Hodges released a video message declaring that South Carolina deserves better than partisan gridlock. The backing from the two men who held the governor's office from 1995 to 2003 provides a rare moment of bipartisan unity in the campaign.
Timeline
David Beasley served as governor of South Carolina from 1995 to 1999.
Jim Hodges served as governor of South Carolina from 1999 to 2003.
The endorsement video was published on October 26, 2026.
Political Context
This endorsement follows the historical pattern of bipartisan gubernatorial endorsements in South Carolina to signal moderate appeal. Opposition supporters may argue that such alliances overlook the core ideological divides between the two parties.
The involvement of former governors may influence how voters prioritize candidates' stances on ending political friction in Washington. Residents should monitor how this bipartisan endorsement affects the campaign rhetoric of the incumbent and the other candidates on the ballot.
The takeaway
These endorsements highlight a push for bipartisan cooperation in the upcoming Senate election. Voters can evaluate how such high-profile support from former executives reflects the candidate's potential approach to governance if elected.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the race, visit the South Carolina Elections page.
Live Poll
Do bipartisan endorsements by former governors increase your trust in a senate candidate?
