Annie Andrews Attacks Graham Over Reported China Business; Calls for Answers
By Colin Russell
Wed, October 14, 2026
Updated Wed, October 14, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews on Wednesday accused interim Sen. Darlene Graham of omitting reported business ties to China from financial disclosure forms, raising concerns about national security and financial transparency.
Speaking on the USS Yorktown in Charleston Harbor, Andrews emphasized the duty of elected officials to prioritize "America's security, independence, and interest" and adhere to higher standards when seeking federal office, especially the U.S. Senate.
"When you run for public office, especially the United States Senate, you're held to an even higher standard," Andrews stated. "You have a responsibility to protect our country, defend our national security, and put the interests of the American people first."
Her remarks centered around a Washington Post report detailing business connections between Graham's family and Chinese companies, which Andrews claimed were left unmentioned in financial disclosure forms.
"It's inappropriate for a senator to profit from business with China," Andrews argued. "It's even worse to conceal those ties from the public."
Andrews repeatedly highlighted the significance of national security concerns in the role of a U.S. senator, stating,
"National security isn't an elective when you're a United States senator. You're one of just one hundred people entrusted with making some of the most consequential decisions affecting our country's security."
She called on Graham to sever her family's business relationships with China, disclose the full extent of these interests, and recuse herself from Senate votes on trade with China or policies related to the Chinese military.
"South Carolinians shouldn't have to wonder whether their senator is making decisions in the best interest of our country or her family's bottom line," Andrews said.
She also criticized Graham's campaign for using spokespeople to answer questions, demanding that Graham herself address the concerns directly.
"Darline Graham needs to stop sending spokespeople out to answer questions for her and start answering them herself," Andrews said. "What else is she hiding? Why can't she answer these questions herself?"
During a question-and-answer session, Andrews declined to speculate on whether the reported ties had influenced Graham's actions but emphasized the importance of transparency.
"There's no way to know what this means, which is why she needs to show up and answer these questions," Andrews concluded. "We expect accountability from our elected officials."