Key facts
- Former Republican Governor David Beasley and former Democratic Governor Jim Hodges endorsed Democrat Annie Andrews.
- The endorsement was made in a joint video expressing concern over political division.
- Andrews is challenging Republican Senator Darline Graham for her seat.
- Beasley has publicly criticized the direction of the Republican Party under Donald Trump.
- The race in South Carolina is considered unexpectedly competitive.
Two former South Carolina governors, Republican David Beasley and Democrat Jim Hodges, have issued a rare joint endorsement for Democratic Senate candidate Annie Andrews. In a video, they cited concerns about the country's division and the tone of political rhetoric, stating Andrews is the best choice to lead the state.
Beasley, who previously served as governor from 1995 to 1999, recently wrote an opinion piece lamenting the state of the Republican Party under Donald Trump, calling the current political climate "toxic." He and Hodges, who succeeded Beasley as governor, acknowledged their political differences but agreed on Andrews's ability to "put people ahead of politics."
While polls indicate Senator Graham, endorsed by Trump, still holds a lead, the race has become unexpectedly competitive, with some analysts shifting the state's outlook in favor of Democrats. The endorsement follows similar instances of prominent Republicans backing Democratic candidates in other key midterm races.