Andrews says she doesn’t support gender surgeries for minors

South Carolina Democratic Senate candidate Annie Andrews is distancing herself from transgender medical procedures for minors in a new campaign ad, despite previously advocating against a state law that restricted such treatments for children.

“Politics can get pretty ugly, and when it does, you deserve to hear the truth,” Andrews, a pediatrician, said in the ad. “So I want you to hear me loud and clear. I don’t support biological men playing women’s sports, and I don’t support and haven’t ever performed gender surgery for minors,” she said. “I’m Dr. Annie Andrews, and I approve this message because Darline Graham lying about me won’t do a thing to help you.”

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But Andrews previously publicly opposed legislation restricting transgender medical treatments for minors.

On April 30, 2024, Andrews posted a video to Instagram showing clips of herself at the South Carolina State Capitol “fighting for trans kids.” The post praised Democratic state senators for opposing a law that would prohibit healthcare providers from performing gender-transition surgeries, prescribing puberty blockers, and providing hormone treatments to patients under 18.

“Was especially grateful for the opportunity to give our incredible Dem Senators the encouragement, strength and FACTS they need to keep fighting this gender affirming care ban,” Andrews wrote.

The legislation banning gender affirming care for minors was signed into law in May 2024.

Andrews has also spoken against South Carolina’s Save Women’s Sports Act, which requires public schools to designate sports teams as male, female, or coed based on a person’s biological sex designated at birth.

Andrews called the legislation “shameful,” saying it “does nothing to protect or support women or children in SC.”

“I will always support trans youth,” she added.

This is shameful legislation that does nothing to protect or support women or children in SC. In fact, it is actively harmful. I will always support trans youth. 🏳️‍⚧️

Transgender issues have become a flashpoint in the battle for the Palmetto State’s open Senate seat. The incumbent, Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC), is new in the high chamber. She was appointed in July after the unexpected death of her brother, Lindsey Graham, who had already secured the Republican nomination.

President Donald Trump also attacked Andrews this week, using a derogatory nickname for the Democratic candidate while urging voters to support Graham.

“Annie ‘Trannie’ Andrews is running against our wonderful Darline Graham for the Senate in South Carolina,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“In any event, Darline is a High Quality person, maybe the Highest, and Annie Trannie is not, in particular, as it pertains to representing the Values of the Great People of South Carolina — She is in favor of Transgender for Everyone, Open Borders, Defunding the Police, High Taxes, a Weak Military, and will absolutely fight to take your guns away.”

Graham’s campaign has also launched a website called “ Dr. Annie’s Waiting Room,” attacking Andrews over transgender issues and other “progressive” positions.

Election forecasters have recently shifted the reliably red seat to the left. The Cook Political Report shifted the race from “solid Republican” to “likely Republican,” citing South Carolina GOP strategists’ “angst about Graham’s soft numbers and fears of low turnout.” Cook, however, continues to rate Graham as the “heavy favorite.”