U.S. Senate (D): Dr. Annie Andrews
DR. ANNIE ANDREWS
Why are you running?
I’ve spent nearly 20 years caring for South Carolina’s children, from newborns with jaundice to teenagers struggling with mental health. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our kids’ health and wellbeing depends on the world we build around them.
I’m running for the U.S. Senate because families are struggling in ways that we should never accept as normal. Whether it’s the cost of groceries, the price of child care or access to affordable, quality health care, I see the impacts every day. It’s time for leaders who understand what’s at stake and are ready to fight for it.
Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:
Yes, I ran for S.C. Congressional District 1 against Nancy Mace in 2022 and lost the election.
Where and how long have you lived in South Carolina?
Charleston and Mt. Pleasant for 17 years
Current job/profession:
Pediatrician
What makes you qualified for the seat?
I have served my community as a pediatrician and volunteer for many years now. I have seen first-hand the needs of our children, families and community because I have been immersed and working in it. Not only am I able to see the systemic failures, due to my background, training and ability to assemble a team of experts to accomplish goals, I am able to work towards solutions to those failures. The U.S. Senate was set up to serve the U.S. people — of and by the people — not become a chamber of professional politicians who have lost touch with their constituents and the US.
What challenges/concerns do you see in South Carolina (up to 3), especially relating to Sumter and the Midlands, and how do you intend to improve them?
There is a significant concern about the state of rural decline, brain drain and infrastructure in Sumter. Continued investment in federal funding for education, agriculture, small business and rural areas (including schools, roads, bridges and health care) will help alleviate some of the pain felt in Sumter and other rural S.C. areas.
There is also a concern about the Iran war — with the loss of community members who have left to fight and are anticipated to continue to leave families, friends and their community behind. The biggest way to help stop people from being sent to Iran is to responsibly stop that war.
What successes have you seen that you want to build on?
Continued investment in manufacturing, keeping Shaw military base in Sumter and regional health care are successes to continue to build on. Making sure that there are jobs in Sumter will help keep people from leaving.
Are you actively involved in your community? How so?
I was an active volunteer and leader in Moms Demand Action and with the BeSMART gun safety program for years. I was an active member of the South Carolina chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. I was the founder and director of the pediatric advocacy program which connected our pediatric residence to advocacy opportunities in the community. And yes, I have been a room mom and former poll worker.
I was a member of the team that started a food pantry program in the pediatric emergency department, and I was a member of the team that started the hospital-based violence intervention program at MUSC.
I have mentored and taught a countless number of medical students and residents over the years. I educated all of the Charleston County School District school nurses about secure firearm storage. I volunteered at a student-run, free clinic and a vaccine clinic for Spanish-speaking families.