Pediatrician Dr Annie Andrews Responds to Anti-Trans Attacks in Senate 2026

Pediatrician Dr Annie Andrews, a Democratic Senate candidate in South Carolina, has responded to anti-trans attacks pushed by Republicans in her race. In a direct-to-camera statement, Andrews addressed the ongoing efforts to make transgender athletes a wedge issue in the midterms.

Pediatrician Dr Annie Andrews Responds to Anti-Trans Attacks

Dr Annie Andrews, a pediatrician running for Senate in South Carolina, released a new ad responding to Republican attacks focused on transgender issues. Wearing a white lab coat and stethoscope, Andrews stated clearly: "I don't support biological men playing in women's sports, and I don't support and haven't ever performed gender surgery for minors." Her statement comes after aggressive ads from a super PAC supporting her Republican opponent, Darline Graham, which claimed Andrews "is for they/them" and framed a transgender person as predatory toward a child. Andrews' response aims to set the record straight while pushing back against what many see as divisive tactics.

Context of the Anti-Trans Attacks

Republicans have increasingly used anti-trans issues, such as keeping trans women off women's and girls' sports teams, to try to thwart Democrats in the upcoming midterms. Former President Donald Trump has pushed the issue for years, and a landmark Supreme Court ruling earlier this year upheld laws in two conservative states excluding transgender girls and women from competing in female sports. This ruling handed Trump a key "culture war" victory, emboldening Republicans to use the issue in campaigns across the country. In South Carolina, the attacks against Andrews are part of this broader strategy.

Andrews' Background as a Pediatrician

As a pediatrician, Andrews brings a unique perspective to the debate. She has previously been outspoken about healthcare issues, particularly those affecting children and families. Her medical expertise allows her to speak credibly about gender-affirming care, which she clarifies she has never performed on minors. This aligns with standard medical guidelines: major medical associations recommend against irreversible gender surgeries for minors, while supporting other forms of gender-affirming care. Andrews' statement reflects this nuanced position, though she emphasizes she does not support biological men in women's sports.

Key Takeaways from Andrews' Response

• Direct rebuttal: Andrews addressed the attacks head-on in a direct-to-camera ad.
• Medical credibility: As a pediatrician, she clarified her stance on gender surgery for minors.
• Political context: Republicans are using anti-trans issues as a wedge in midterm races.
• Ongoing debate: The Supreme Court ruling has intensified the national conversation on trans athletes.

Comparing the Stances

To understand the divide, here's a comparison of the positions:

FAQ

As the midterms approach, Dr Annie Andrews' response highlights the ongoing clash over transgender rights and the role of pediatricians in political debates. Her direct statement aims to clarify her position and counter the attacks, but the issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in South Carolina and beyond.