Darline Graham

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - U.S. Sen. Darline Graham received the endorsement of sheriffs from across South Carolina on Wednesday, including four from the Upstate.

Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis said there were only a small group of sheriffs attending in person, but said a larger number of sheriffs statewide who support Graham because of her support for law enforcement.

The following sheriffs were in attendance:

Lewis pointed to Graham’s late brother, former Sen. Lindsey Graham, and his record of support and funding for law enforcement.

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said South Carolina sheriffs need leaders in Washington who support law enforcement, adding that interim Sen. Darline Graham has done so since taking office.

Sheriff Koon then contrasted Graham with her Democratic opponent, Dr. Annie Andrews, claiming, without citing specifics at the event, that Andrews supported efforts to defund police in 2020 and supported open-border policies.

Graham thanked the sheriffs for their endorsements, saying she will “always back the blue.”

“I will do whatever I can to help them,” Graham said. “Like Lindsey, I sit on the Appropriations Committee. And I want to work hard to bring those resources back to the state to help support law enforcement.”

Graham repeated claims that Andrews has said she wants to defund the police and claimed Andrews helped raise money tied to former Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I will work with President Trump to make sure our borders remain secure,” Graham said. “And once again, I will always back the blue.”

In a statement released after the press conference, Democratic challenger Dr. Annie Andrews’ campaign said Graham “is no friend to law enforcement,” claiming she has yet to sign on to three bills that would support officers.

The campaign pointed to the Back the Blue Act, the HELPER Act and the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, claiming the bills would strengthen protections for officers, provide mortgage assistance for first responders and strengthen collective bargaining.

“Our police officers put their lives on the line every day and deserve more than hollow words — they deserve a senator who will sign on to legislation that protects them and supports their families,” Andrews said in the statement.

Stay with FOX Carolina for updates on this developing story.

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