by DAVID BEASLEY & JIM HODGES
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While we have honorably served this state as your Governor, representing two different political parties, we share a conviction that matters more than any party label – public service means putting the people you represent first. And for both of us, South Carolina will always come first.
That is why we are coming together to support Dr. Annie Andrews for the United States Senate.
Like many South Carolinians, we are tired of the division that has come to define our politics. Too often, leaders are rewarded for making people angrier. Washington seems focused on name calling and partisan political games, leaving the mess for others to clean up. In the end, the problems only get worse. Families deserve leaders who are focused on making their lives better, not ones focused on the next political fight.
We believe Dr. Andrews will be that kind of senator. And she is already showing South Carolinians what that leadership looks like.
She has an important attribute – she listens. Dr. Andrews has been to all 46 counties in our state to hear from people about their concerns – whether Democrat, Republican or Independent. She believes that most South Carolina families face the same challenges, regardless of their political beliefs, and that a good United States Senator will fight for every South Carolinian in every region of our state every day of the week..
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This is what putting South Carolina first looks like. I’m honored to have the support of two former governors — Republican David Beasley and Democrat Jim Hodges. We may not agree on everything, but we share a belief that matters most: South Carolina deserves leaders who will always put its people first.
— Dr. Annie Andrews (@AnnieAndrewsMD) October 26, 2026
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As former governors, we know how much that matters. You cannot represent an entire state if you don’t show up to hear from people, or if you only listen to the people who already agree with you. It is amazing what you can learn if you are willing to have a conversation with those that have a different point of view.
As a pediatrician, Dr. Andrews has spent her career caring for children and working with families during some of their most difficult moments. She understands that right now, too many families have to make critical health care decisions based on costs rather than need.
Just as important, we believe she has the independence to act and deliver for South Carolina.
Dr. Andrews is her own person — she is not a creature of Washington and will not represent the interests of the political powers of either party in Washington. It’s clear that her candidacy frightens the Washington establishment. Look at the name calling and vitriol thrown at her by the political establishment and its proxies over the past few months. They see her as an agent of change and that change threatens the existing powers in Washington.
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We are hearing from South Carolinians of all political persuasions that their voices are not being heard and their problems are not being addressed. They want to see change. We are joining together as former Republican and Democratic governors because we believe Dr. Annie Andrews will be the kind of United States Senator who will stand up to Washington and make the priorities of South Carolina families her priorities while serving us.
Our support does not mean we agree with her on every issue. It means we trust her to listen, exercise good judgment and put South Carolinians first. We believe she will work with anyone who has a good idea and stand her ground when the people of our state need someone in their corner.
We are not alone. This is a movement that involves Republicans, Democrats and Independents. In fact, more than 100 South Carolina Republicans have endorsed Dr. Andrews, including current and former elected officials, longtime conservatives, and veterans of Republican presidential campaigns. They see what we see: a leader who will put South Carolina first.
South Carolinians should expect that standard from their next senator.
Dr. Andrews understands that leadership is not about making people angrier. It is about making things better. She understands that Washington is not addressing the problems facing South Carolina families, and that has to change.
We are proud to stand together in supporting her, and we ask South Carolinians of every political persuasion to join us.
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS…
David Beasley served as the 113th governor of South Carolina as a Republican. Jim Hodges served as the 114th governor of South Carolina as a Democrat.
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SOUND OFF…
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3 comments
I’d expect a liberal democrat and a Rino to do nothing less
I’m not a fan of many Democratic policies and voted Republican most of my life. I find myself voting for another Democrat because the choice is between a Democrat and a cult member. The GOP and what it stood for no longer exists. Not about to vote for another Trump puppet.
A lib Democrat and a Democrat tuned Rino who isn’t even a Dino any more – no surprise here.