BEAUFORT, S.C. — Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, brought her campaign to Beaufort this week, meeting with voters at the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce about rising homeowners insurance premiums and the cost of living in the Lowcountry.
Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a leading voice on insurance costs in the U.S. Senate, joined Andrews. Homeowners and real estate professionals took part in the roundtable, and high school students also attended to learn more about the election.
Andrews’ campaign says some coastal areas, including Beaufort and Jasper counties, are projected to see homeowners insurance rates rise by more than 200% over the next 10 years.
Andrews told the audience that the median home price in South Carolina is $350,000 while the median salary is $70,000, and that many workers in tourist areas cannot afford to live where they work. She said federal rules should push for building housing for that workforce.
Lowering housing costs, along with gas, groceries and childcare, is part of what her campaign calls its Affordability Plan.
Andrews faces Republican Darline Graham in the November election. Affordability also came up in a Sunday debate between the two candidates hosted by South Carolina ETV and Public Radio.
