SC Senate candidates clash over data center expansion in debate

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - During Sunday’s debate in South Carolina’s heated U.S. Senate race, data centers became a big point of contention for all three candidates.

Republican Sen. Darline Graham, along with challengers Dr. Annie Andrews and Kasie Whitener, were asked Sunday if they supported data center moratoriums and if they’d support federal regulations.

Andrews, the Democratic challenger, pushed Graham on her stance on data centers.

“She [Graham] thinks we need to all get with the program and build data centers faster and faster,” said Andrews. “So why does ‘Data Center Darline’ think we need to do that? Because data center companies and AI companies have spent millions to prop up her campaign.”

Graham fired back.

“Since we’re name-calling here. obviously, you don’t know my stance on data centers. I’m concerned about data centers too, but let me be clear here: I think there needs to be community involvement when it comes to data centers,” the senator responded.

Whitener, running as a Libertarian, said she feels local communities need to have a voice when it comes to building new data centers in their area.

“It is a local issue,” Whitener said.

At least six Midlands communities have voted to temporarily pause data center development, with others also doing so across the state.

More South Carolinians are raising concerns about possible impacts of those data centers, including water consumption and higher energy bills.

“These data centers are being built in communities’ backyards without any community input,” said Andrews.

Andrews said her data center plan includes a two-year moratorium.

Graham criticized the proposal, citing national security concerns and what she argued is a growing threat from China.

“Under her Bernie Sanders plan, a two-year moratorium, that is dangerous to the national security of our country because in two years, China is going to be so far ahead, we’re going to be in so much trouble,” said Graham.

Whitener doubled down on her stance.

“Your community should be talking to one another and figuring out what’s best for you, and again you don’t need the government’s permission to do that,” Whitener said.

Meanwhile, South Carolina state lawmakers are set to reassess statewide regulations on data centers when they return for the next legislative session in 2027.

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