SC Senate candidates clash over data center expansion in debate
South Carolina U.S. Senate candidates debated whether to support data center moratoriums and federal regulation during a campaign event in Columbia. Democratic challenger Annie Andrews proposed a two-year moratorium, while Sen. Darline Graham cited national security concerns and Libertarian candidate Kasie Whitener emphasized local community input.
South Carolina Senate candidates Darline Graham, Annie Andrews and Kasie Whitener clashed over data center expansion during a debate in Columbia. Andrews proposed a two-year moratorium and criticized Graham’s support for faster development, while Graham warned that a pause could harm U.S. competitiveness and national security relative to China.
Whitener said communities should have a meaningful role in deciding whether data centers are built locally. The debate comes as at least six Midlands communities have temporarily paused data center development and residents across the state raise concerns about water consumption and higher electricity bills. South Carolina lawmakers are expected to revisit statewide data center regulations in 2027.