The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police is committed to providing our members with factual, issue-focused information about candidates seeking public office. As part of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police’s voter education and endorsement process, candidates meeting the organization’s established viability criteria were invited to complete a candidate questionnaire addressing legislative priorities that directly affect law enforcement officers, public safety, and the communities they serve.
The questions focus on issues that have long been priorities of the Fraternal Order of Police, including officer safety, collective bargaining, housing affordability for first responders, protections for active and retired law enforcement officers, and other federal legislation affecting law enforcement professionals.
This guide gives voters an opportunity to compare candidates’ positions on these issues using the candidates’ own words.
Candidate responses are published verbatim and have not been edited except for formatting consistency.
About the Race
South Carolina voters will elect a United States senator on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The election follows the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, which created a vacancy in South Carolina’s Senate delegation. On July 13, 2026, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to fill the vacancy until a successor is elected. Graham became the first woman to represent South Carolina in the United States Senate.
Because Senator Lindsey Graham had been the Republican nominee for the 2026 election, the South Carolina Republican Party held a special primary to select a replacement nominee. Darline Graham advanced to an August 25 runoff and won the Republican nomination.
Dr. Annie Andrews is the Democratic nominee for the United States Senate.
Candidate Debate
Darline Graham and Dr. Annie Andrews have both accepted an invitation from South Carolina ETV to participate in a U.S. Senate debate in Columbia on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The debate will give voters an opportunity to hear directly from both candidates ahead of the November 3 general election.
Candidates
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
Campaign Website: drannieandrews.com
Darline Graham (Republican)
Campaign Website: www.darlinegraham.com
Candidate Background
Do you have any personal connection to the law enforcement community or to the Fraternal Order of Police?
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
Yes. My godfather was a career police officer, so I grew up with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices law enforcement officers and their families make in service to their communities. Throughout my work in gun violence prevention, I have also worked alongside law enforcement leaders, including former Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, to advance evidence-based solutions that improve public safety. I believe we can support law enforcement and work together to reduce violent crime and keep communities safe.
Darline Graham (Republican)
Yes. I’ve supported strong, well-resourced law enforcement throughout my public career, and since taking office I have continued that support in the Senate. I have already co-sponsored several bills designed to strengthen police departments, improve coordination among local and federal agencies, and ensure that officers are supported in the challenges they face.
Why are you seeking the endorsement of the FOP?
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
South Carolina is run by its working-class citizens who show up every day to serve their communities, and that absolutely includes our police officers. As a pediatrician, I’ve spent nearly 20 years caring for South Carolina families, including the children of police officers. Like every family I care for, they deserve affordable accessible healthcare and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can provide for their kids.
As a mom, I know what it’s like to worry about the cost of groceries, child care, and healthcare. No one who dedicates their career to keeping our communities safe should have to struggle to afford the basics. I believe officers deserve fair pay, good benefits, safe working conditions, and a voice on the job. That’s why I support their right to organize and collectively bargain.
I’m running because working families deserve someone in Washington who will fight for them — not for the donors, lobbyists, and special interests who have had too much power for far too long.
Darline Graham (Republican)
I am seeking the endorsement of the FOP because South Carolina’s law enforcement officers deserve a Senator who has their back. I want law enforcement in this state to know that when they call Washington, they’ll get a partner, not a bureaucrat. Earning FOP’s endorsement means earning the trust of the men and women on the front lines, and that trust is something I take seriously.
In your public life, have you openly supported the men and women who serve our communities in law enforcement?
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
Yes. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently spoken up for the people who serve our communities every day. I believe public service matters, and that includes the men and women in law enforcement who put themselves in harm’s way to keep South Carolina communities safe.
I also advocate that supporting law enforcement means giving officers the tools, training, and resources they need to do their jobs effectively while working alongside the communities they serve. Safe communities are built through trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to protecting South Carolina families.
As a pediatrician, I’ve seen the devastating consequences of violence firsthand. That’s why I’ve always believed we should work together to prevent violence before it happens while supporting the law enforcement officers who put themselves on the line to protect South Carolina families.
Darline Graham (Republican)
Law enforcement and public safety have always been close to home for my family. My brother Lindsey served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the Air Force, prosecuting cases and enforcing military law before he ever set foot in Congress — that background shaped how seriously he took the safety of this country for the rest of his life, and it shaped me too. I spent nearly 30 years helping South Carolinians build independent lives, and I’ve seen up close what it means to serve the public. I have a deep respect for the men and women who put on a badge every day to protect our communities.
Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, please explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
No.
Darline Graham (Republican)
No.
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act
The Fraternal Order of Police strongly supports H.R. 1505/S. 636, the “Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act,” legislation which recognizes collective bargaining rights for public safety employees (i.e., law enforcement officers and firefighters).
Question: If you are currently a Member of Congress, are you a cosponsor of this bill? If not, will you pledge to support this legislation in the 120th Congress?
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
I will proudly support this legislation. Our public safety employees and first responders put themselves on the line every day to keep South Carolina communities safe, and they deserve the right to have a voice in their workplaces. I believe workers should be able to organize and bargain collectively without interference or intimidation. Supporting the men and women who serve our communities means making sure they have a seat at the table, fair working conditions, and leaders who will stand with them. And not just when it’s convenient, but every day.
Darline Graham (Republican)
I am not currently a cosponsor of S. 636. I respect the men and women of law enforcement enormously, and I’ll always support policies that protect their safety and give them the resources they need to do their jobs. On this particular bill, I am not in a position to cosponsor federal collective bargaining mandates for public-sector employees, which I believe are better left to states and localities to decide. I remain committed to working with FOP on the priorities we do agree on, and my door will always be open to hear more about how this legislation would affect South Carolina’s law enforcement officers.
Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act
Some studies have shown that rising housing costs and limited housing availability, especially in jurisdictions with residency requirements, may pose obstacles for young people considering a career in law enforcement. The FOP has been working to address this issue by supporting H.R. 2094/S. 978, the “Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act,” which is modeled on a home loan program administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HELPER Act will establish a new, but very similar, home loan program within the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and pre-K-12 teachers that would eliminate the down payment and the monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP) requirements.
Question: If you are currently a Member of Congress, are you a cosponsor of this legislation? If elected, will you pledge to support this legislation in the 120th Congress?
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
I would proudly support this legislation. We are in the middle of a national affordability crisis, and too many South Carolinians who have dedicated their careers to serving our communities are being hit the hardest.
If you work hard, serve your community, and do everything right, you should have a fair shot at buying a home. Programs like the HELPER Act can make that possible by removing unnecessary barriers to homeownership and helping essential workers put down roots in the communities they protect and serve.
As a doctor, I also know that stable housing and financial security have a profound impact on people’s physical and mental health. Helping our first responders and other essential workers afford a home is not just good housing policy, it’s an investment in stronger families, healthier communities, and a stronger South Carolina.
Darline Graham (Republican)
I am not currently a cosponsor of S. 978. Having spent my career helping South Carolinians build stable, independent lives, I understand how much housing costs affect a family’s future — and our officers, firefighters, and other first responders shouldn’t be priced out of the communities they serve. I look forward to reviewing this legislation and remain committed to working with FOP to ensure our brave first responders are taken care of.
Protect and Serve Act
Ambush attacks and violence targeting law enforcement officers have been increasing in recent years. In response to the increased number of ambush attacks, the FOP has made the enactment of H.R. 1551/S. 167, the “Protect and Serve Act” a top priority. The legislation would impose, in limited circumstances, Federal penalties on individuals who deliberately target local, State, or Federal law enforcement officers with violence.
Question: If you were a Member of the House of Representatives in the 115th Congress, how did you vote on H.R. 5698 on 16 May 2018? (Roll Call Vote# 188)
If you are a Member of the 119th Congress, are you a cosponsor of H.R.1551/S. 167?
If you become a Member of the 120th Congress, will you pledge to support such legislation and work with the FOP to get it enacted?
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
Yes. If elected, I would support this legislation. No one should be targeted for violence because they put on a uniform and serve their community. Law enforcement officers take on difficult and dangerous responsibilities every day, and when someone deliberately targets an officer with violence, there should be serious consequences.
I believe we can support law enforcement officers while also strengthening trust between police officers and the communities they serve. These goals do not oppose each other. Protecting the people who protect our communities and ensuring officers have strong relationships with the communities they serve go hand in hand are both important parts of keeping South Carolina families safe.
Darline Graham (Republican)
I was not a Member of Congress in 2018 and did not cast a vote on H.R. 5698. Attacks on law enforcement officers simply because they wear the badge are unacceptable. I pledge to support the Protect and Serve Act in the Senate and to work with FOP to see it signed into law.
LEOSA Reform Act
The FOP was the primary advocate for the enactment of the Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act (LEOSA) in 2004, as well as amendments to the statute enacted in 2010 and 2013. The law exempts qualified active and retired law enforcement officers who are properly trained and credentialed from State or local laws prohibiting the carriage of concealed firearms. The FOP is working to expand this exemption to include magazine capacity, the Guns Free School Zones Act, and access to certain Federal buildings, like post offices. The FOP strongly supports H.R. 2243/S. 679, the “LEOSA Reform Act,” which would fix current loopholes to better protect off-duty and retired law enforcement officers. The House bill was passed in May 2025 on a 229-193 vote.
Question: If you are currently a Member of Congress, are you a cosponsor of this bill?
If you are a Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, did you vote to favorably report on this bill at the Committee’s mark-up?
If you are currently a Member of the House, how did you vote on passage of H.R. 2243 (Roll Call Vote #128)?
If this legislation is not enacted and you are elected to the 120th Congress, will you pledge to support and cosponsor this legislation?
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
I strongly support ensuring that law enforcement officers have the training equipment, and resources they need to safely do their jobs. However, I also believe that we must balance those interests with evidence-based gun safety policies that protect the public. Like most pediatricians, I have had to care for children with gunshot wounds, and I know the devastating impact gun violence has on families and communities.
As a pediatrician and mother with three kids in public schools, I can not support any legislation that expands the carrying of a weapon into places like Gun-Free School Zones beyond anyone other than the current School Resource Officers or other active law enforcement officers acting in the line of duty. I am not against responsible gun ownership, but I do not support expanding the carrying of firearms into places where additional safeguards exist to protect children and the public. Additionally, I have concerns about provisions that exempt individuals from state magazine capacity laws or expand concealed carry into other federally restricted spaces.
Active law enforcement officers are subject to ongoing training, certification, and departmental accountability. Expanding these authorities beyond those currently serving raises important public safety questions that deserve careful consideration.
I appreciate the intent behind this legislation and will always support efforts to protect men and women who serve in law enforcement. However, I believe we can do that without weakening evidence-based gun safety measures that help keep our schools and communities safe. Should similar legislation come before me in the Senate, I would carefully review its provisions and work to ensure it protects both law enforcement officers and the families they serve.
Darline Graham (Republican)
I am a proud cosponsor of S. 679, the LEOSA Reform Act. Off-duty and retired officers who have trained and earned their credentials shouldn’t have to navigate a patchwork of conflicting state laws to protect themselves and their families. I’ll keep pushing to get this bill across the finish line, and if it isn’t enacted this Congress, I pledge to continue supporting it in the 120th Congress.
Ongoing Consultation with Law Enforcement Leadership
Effective public safety policy requires ongoing consultation with law enforcement professionals. SCFOP values constructive engagement between elected officials and the officers who serve communities across South Carolina.
Question: If elected, how would you ensure regular consultation with the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police regarding issues affecting officer protections, due process rights, and public safety?
Dr. Annie Andrews (Democratic)
If elected, I will make it a priority to maintain an open and ongoing dialogue with the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, not just during election season, but throughout my time in office. I believe the best public policy is informed by the people doing work every day, and that means listening to law enforcement officers and understanding the challenges they face.
Too many elected officials spend years in Washington and lose touch with the people they were sent there to represent. That’s one of the biggest differences between me and Lindsey Graham. I’ve built my campaign around showing up, listening, and staying connected to South Carolinians, and I would bring that same commitment to my relationship with the FOP and the law enforcement community across our state.
Most importantly, I’ll always approach these conversations in good faith. I’ll be proud to work alongside the SCFOP to advance legislation that supports law enforcement officers, strengthens public safety, and helps ensure South Carolina remains a safe, affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.
Darline Graham (Republican)
My office will maintain an open line with SCFOP leadership — not just around election time, but throughout my term. That means regular briefings with my staff on legislation moving through Congress that affects officers, a standing invitation for FOP leadership to raise concerns directly with my office, and consulting with FOP before taking positions on bills that touch officer protections, due process rights, or public safety. Now more than ever it is imperative to stand with our brave men and women in law enforcement and I look forward to working closely with SCFOP to do just that.
About This Guide
The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police developed this guide as a voter education resource. Candidate questionnaire responses are presented in the candidates’ own words and have not been edited except for formatting consistency.
Publication of a candidate’s responses in this guide does not constitute an endorsement by the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police. The organization may separately consider an endorsement in the United States Senate race through its established endorsement process.
