South Carolina’s upcoming U.S. Senate race has turned into a battleground over how to relieve families burdened by record‑high fuel costs. Both Democratic nominee Annie Andrews and Republican candidate Darline Graham Nordone are calling for a temporary suspension of the federal gasoline and diesel excise taxes that add 18.4 cents per gallon to gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon to diesel.
Andrews’ push for tax relief
Andrews, a physician‑candidate, announced her support for a short‑term halt to both taxes in a news release on September 14. She argued that the rising cost of filling a tank is forcing South Carolinians to choose between food on the table and fuel for the road. “I’ve heard families across the state say more of their paycheck is going toward the pump,” Andrews said. “Suspending the gas and diesel taxes would give immediate relief to farmers, truckers, shrimpers and small businesses that rely on affordable fuel to keep their operations running.”
Nordone’s position
Nordone, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has not offered a detailed plan of her own, but she has not opposed the idea of a federal tax suspension either. Andrews noted that Nordone has declined to sign onto S. 4485, a bill introduced by Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri that would suspend the federal fuel taxes nationwide.
State‑level proposals complement federal ideas
Republican Congressman Russell Fry, who ran against Nordone for the GOP Senate nomination, also voiced support for a federal suspension earlier this week. In addition, several South Carolina leaders are advancing state‑level measures. Attorney General Alan Wilson, the Republican nominee for governor, has proposed giving future governors the authority to pause the state’s 28.75‑cent per gallon fuel levy for up to 120 days without needing legislative approval. Meanwhile, Jordan Pace, leader of the fiscally conservative Freedom Caucus, is promoting a $500 million rebate program that would return money directly to South Carolina taxpayers.
Fuel price surge hits families hard
Diesel prices have climbed to more than $6 per gallon, up from $3.71 a year ago, while gasoline prices have risen roughly 50 % since December. The steep increases are straining household budgets and driving up the cost of goods that rely on shipping. An analysis by FinanceBuzz last fall showed South Carolinians spend 2.82 % of their income at the pump, well above the national average of 2.28 %.
Why a temporary suspension makes sense
Both candidates argue that a short‑term suspension would provide immediate relief while longer‑term solutions—such as broader tax reform, increased domestic fuel production, and targeted rebates—are debated. Andrews emphasized that the suspension should be paired with other measures, including tax cuts and direct cash assistance, to ensure families can keep food on the table and keep their vehicles running.
Looking ahead to the November election
The fuel‑tax debate is shaping voter sentiment as South Carolinians head to the polls in November 2026. With the cost of living a top concern, candidates who can demonstrate concrete plans to lower everyday expenses are likely to resonate with the state’s traditionally low‑income households. As the campaign intensifies, both parties will need to articulate how they intend to balance short‑term relief with sustainable fiscal policy.
Stay tuned to HyperLocal Loop for continued coverage of the Senate race and the evolving discussion on fuel‑tax relief in South Carolina.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
