SC Democrat brings in $500K two months after launching challenge against Nancy Mace
Almost two months after launching her congressional campaign, Lowcountry Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews announced she raised more than $500,000 in her race against U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace.
Andrews, a pediatrician and associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, surpassed first quarter fundraising totals posted by the last Democrat to win an election the 1st Congressional District, Joe Cunningham.
Cunningham, who narrowly lost to Mace in 2020, is now one of three Democrats running for South Carolina governor.
In his first fundraising quarter in the 2018 contest, Cunningham raised $105,000. Andrews, according to her campaign, has raised nearly five times that amount.
“I am deeply humbled by the unprecedented support our campaign has received since announcing just two months ago,” Andrews said in a statement. “Lowcountry voters are desperate for leaders from outside of the political world who are willing to step up and deliver positive change, and that’s exactly what I am offering our district.”
Andrews touted her political outsider status and highlighted her daily work with families in the Lowcountry. This is her first time running for political office.
“Washington is broken, and it’s filled with career politicians like Nancy Mace who are more interested in being famous than effective,” Andrews said in her statement. “Instead of looking out for her constituents and doing what’s right for the Lowcountry, Nancy Mace has been laser focused on auditioning for her next job at Fox News.”
During the first months of her campaign, Andrews has hosted fundraisers, including one virtual event with actor and doctor Ken Jeong, who is best known for his roles as Ben Chang on “Community” and Leslie Chow in “The Hangover.”
Andrews launched her congressional campaign in early November. Within 24 hours, her campaign announced it raised more than $200,000.
Andrews is the first 1st Congressional District candidate to announce fundraising totals for the last three months of 2021. Ahead of Andrews’ entry to the race, only three candidates had reported receiving money.
Incumbent Mace, R-Daniel Island, far lead the field with more than $2.3 million raised. She was followed by Republican Lynz Piper-Loomis with almost $42,000 and Republican Ingrid Centurion with about $12,500.
Other Democrats have filed to run for Mace’s seat, but have yet to publicize or file fundraising numbers.
Fundraising reports are due at the end of the month.
This story was originally published January 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM.
