Trump uses anti-transgender slur to attack South Carolina Senate nominee
Democratic Senate candidate Annie Andrews speaks during the Spratt Issues Conference in Florence
By Alejandra Jaramillo, Kaitlan Collins, CNN
(CNN) — President Donald Trump on Monday used an anti-transgender slur to attack Democratic South Carolina Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews, as he tries to push his handpicked GOP candidate, Sen. Darline Graham, over the finish line in the midterm election.
“Annie ‘Trannie’ Andrews is running against our wonderful Darline Graham for the Senate in South Carolina,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. He used a version of the slur three times in the post.
Andrews did not reference Trump’s comments in a statement responding to his post, instead saying, “I’m in this race to fight for my patients, my three kids, and South Carolina.”
“And I’m going to work with anyone to put South Carolina first, because lowering costs and making life better for families across our state is going to take all of us working together. If you care more about your bills than the politics in Washington, this campaign is for you,” she said.
The president has taken a particular interest in that Senate race, pushing for Graham’s appointment after the sudden death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham — who the president considered a close friend. His MAGA Inc. PAC then spent more than $800,000 to push Darline Graham to victory in the GOP primary runoff, and Trump personally campaigned for her.
Now, a state that seemed like a relatively safe GOP win has become a fresh test of Trump’s influence. Two weeks ago, the Cook Political Report listed the race as likely Republican, rather than solidly Republican. And Trump allies have told CNN they are worried about Graham’s polling.
Andrews said in a statement, “As a mom and a pediatrician, I’m in this race to fight for my patients, my three kids, and South Carolina. And I’m going to work with anyone to put South Carolina first, because lowering costs and making life better for families across our state is going to take all of us working together. If you care more about your bills than the politics in Washington, this campaign is for you.”
The president lavishly praised Darline Graham in the post.
“For years my dear friend Lindsey would say that, ‘Darline is the finest, most reliable, and one of the smartest people I have ever known.’ He would then always add, ‘Also, the most loyal!’ Oftentimes I would be upset with Lindsey for saying this, because I thought I had all of those qualities,” Trump wrote.
Republicans in the state have frequently criticized Andrews for her positions on transgender issues, including her past support for providing hormone treatment for children. Andrews has said she does not support gender-identity surgery for minors.
This story has been updated with additional information.
The-CNN-Wire
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