South Carolina Senate Rivals Clash Over Iran War and AI Data Centers

Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democratic challenger Annie Andrews clashed over the Iran war and artificial intelligence data centers during an October 11 Senate debate in Columbia, South Carolina. Libertarian Kasie Whitener also participated in the SCETV-hosted event. Andrews proposed a two-year moratorium on data-center construction, protections against electricity-rate increases and restored local control. Graham opposed a blanket construction halt, arguing it would let China gain an advantage in AI, while supporting local decisions on projects; Andrews criticized her Iran-war votes, and Graham defended continued military pressure.