Andy Brack
Verified- Publisher, The Charleston City Paper
- Editor and Publisher, Statehouse Report
- Editor and Publisher, Charleston Currents
Charleston
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Articles by Andy Brack
Andy Brack: For change, you’ve got to get out and vote
You might not think much of political yard signs at this time of year. They junk up the roadways. They’re little more than branding during a time when we can’t get away from bright colors, fonts and logos that assault our senses. But while mere yard signs may not win elections directly, they remind voters about candidates. And maybe they do something else — maybe they’re a kind of mirror for enthusiasm during an election.
Brack: For change, you’ve got to get out and vote
Commentary by Andy Brack | You might not think much of political yard signs at this time of year. They junk up the roadways. They’re little more than branding during a time when we can’t get away from bright colors, fonts and logos that assault our senses. But while mere yard signs may not win elections directly, they remind voters about candidates. And maybe they do something else – maybe they’re a kind of mirror for enthusiasm during an election.
Andy Brack: The president needs help
When conservative readers don’t like something written about President Donald Trump and what he’s doing to our American democracy, it’s easy to send off the MAGA playbook zinger that the writer has “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Perhaps, but another malady is really at work — Deranged Trump Syndrome. The president, known for giving demeaning nicknames to critics, making rambling speeches and issuing hyperbolic statements that are way over the top or just outright lies, is getting worse.
Brack: The president needs help
Pineapple Fountain, Charleston Credit: Jim Blain for the Charleston City Paper. Commentary by Andy Brack | When conservative readers don’t like something written about President Donald Trump and what he’s doing to our American democracy, it’s easy to send off the MAGA playbook zinger that the writer has “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Perhaps, but another malady is really at work – Deranged Trump Syndrome.
Decision 2028: Presidential candidates flocking to South Carolina
Every four years, that rarest of critters – the aspirant for the presidency of the United States - emerges like a periodical cicada. Across South Carolina, the Democratic species is starting to make appearances because the Palmetto State will host the nation’s first primary on Jan. 22, 2028. Meanwhile, the Republican variety of presidential contender is mostly still buried and probably waiting until after the midterms to peek out its head in fear of looking like an unfaithful Trump acolyte.
Brack: Presidential candidates flocking to South Carolina
Credit: Getty Commentary by Andy Brack | Every four years, that rarest of critters – the aspirant for the presidency of the United States – emerges like a periodical cicada. Across South Carolina, the Democratic species is starting to make appearances because the Palmetto State will host the nation’s first primary on Jan. 22, 2028.
Presidential aspirant Beshear to talk about kindness at Friday book event
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says his style of compassionate leadership in his home state is what Americans are looking for — for decency to trump the cruelty of recent years and kindness to prevail over corruption and meanness. “I believe people are going to be looking for something better” in 2028, said Beshear, a potential Democratic presidential candidate who is to be in town Oct. 2 to talk about a new book in a conversation with U.S. Rep.
Andy Brack: October trip to showcase listening across America
Imagine what you would learn about the United States if you took a three-week road trip from South Carolina through Texas to California, returning with stops in Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri and Georgia. To say it would be interesting would be an understatement, especially with the political volatility highlighted in today’s headlines.
Brack: October trip to showcase listening across America
Imagine what you would learn about the United States if you took a three-week road trip from South Carolina through Texas to California, returning with stops in Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri and Georgia. To say it would be interesting would be an understatement, especially with the political volatility highlighted in today’s headlines.
Yes, by all means, vote as if Our President were on the ballot
Take President Donald Trump at his word – act like he’s on the ballot during the midterm elections.It will help America become stronger. If people remember that he’s on the ballot through a bunch of weak surrogates, then he should get a booming wake-up call at the twilight of his miserable political career.When millions of people in the November midterm elections vote to flip Congress to Democratic control, perhaps he’ll finally understand people are tired of his continuing shenanigans.
Brack: On hurricanes, Senate race, debates, AI
Green beach flags mean all clear | Unsplash The news has been pretty dull of late. But if you’re thinking about hurricanes, that’s good news. The Atlantic coast apparently has reached a new record: No hurricanes so far this season. That’s the longest time without a first big storm since the modern satellite era started in the mid-1960s. As of Sept. 18, the coast has gone 110 days without an active storm that became a hurricane.
Walsh celebrates fun 40 years as local weatherman
Bill Walsh is the Dr. Seuss of weathermen. For 40 years as of today, he’s offered the latest weather info to Lowcountry residents in just about every way possible. He did the weather on a camel. With a bear. And at the fair. Bill’s dog, Ruby Walsh. Credit: Provided. He did it with an eagle and his dog, a hound that looks a little like a beagle. With an elephant. On horseback. With snakes, a snapping turtle, an orangutan, a panther and a tiger. He even kissed a dolphin on the air.
Andy Brack: Throw the bum out
Take President Donald Trump at his word — act like he’s on the ballot during the midterm elections. It will help America become stronger. If people remember that he’s on the ballot through a bunch of weak surrogates, then he should get a booming wake-up call at the twilight of his miserable political career. When millions of people in the November midterm elections vote to flip Congress to Democratic control, perhaps he’ll finally understand people are tired of his continuing shenanigans.
Brack: Throw the bum out
Credit: Unsplash Take President Donald Trump at his word – act like he’s on the ballot during the midterm elections. It will help America become stronger. If people remember that he’s on the ballot through a bunch of weak surrogates, then he should get a booming wake-up call at the twilight of his miserable political career.
Republicans have slight edge in Senate race
Even before interim U.S. Sen. Darline Graham won a Tuesday runoff bid to replace her brother on the Republican ballot in November, this year’s race for someone to serve a six-year term in the U.S. Senate was weird. In fact, as we said last week, it’s the oddest in the 72 years since Strom Thurmond became the first person in the country to win a Senate seat as a write-in candidate. Graham beat U.S. Rep.
OPINION: Tough messaging ahead for S.C.’s fall campaigns
Decision 2026 Posted Sunday, September 6, 2026 2:00 am Every two years, Labor Day welcomes the traditional start of the political campaigning season. This year’s, in a simple word, will be a humdinger. Republicans in South Carolina will do just about everything they can to scramble away from the sucky economy, high costs of gas and food, and a weird war with Iran where every day seems like Groundhog Day.
Andy Brack: Tough messaging ahead for S.C.’s fall campaigns
Every two years, Labor Day welcomes the traditional start of the political campaigning season. This year’s, in a simple word, will be a humdinger. Republicans in South Carolina will do just about everything they can to scramble away from the sucky economy, high costs of gas and food, and a weird war with Iran where every day seems like Groundhog Day.
Brack: Tough messaging ahead for S.C.’s fall campaigns
Credit: Andy Brack Every two years, Labor Day welcomes the traditional start of the political campaigning season. This year’s, in a simple word, will be a humdinger. Republicans in South Carolina will do just about everything they can to scramble away from the sucky economy, high costs of gas and food, and a weird war with Iran where every day seems like Groundhog Day.
Ma’am Saab’s Gauba adds new tastes, kitchen leadership
Ma'am Saab's Lucknow Nihari is new to the menu. Credit: Fia Forever Studios Ma’am Saab owner Raheel Gauba had a lot on his plate in running Charleston’s award-winning downtown Pakistani restaurant. Now, he’s crafting plates, too. “For years, I led everything at Ma’am Saab but the kitchen — the vision, the hospitality, the room,” said Gauba, a former technologist who entered the culinary business world shortly before the pandemic.
Andy Brack: Republicans have slight edge in odd race for U.S. Senate
Even before interim U.S. Sen. Darline Graham won a Tuesday runoff bid to replace her brother on the Republican ballot in November, this year’s race for someone to serve a six-year term in the U.S. Senate was weird. In fact, as we said last week, it’s the oddest in the 72 years since Strom Thurmond became the first person in the country to win a Senate seat as a write-in candidate. Graham beat U.S. Rep.
Brack: Republicans have slight edge in odd race for U.S. Senate
Even before interim U.S. Sen. Darline Graham won a Tuesday runoff bid to replace her brother on the Republican ballot in November, this year’s race for someone to serve a six-year term in the U.S. Senate was weird. In fact, as we said last week, it’s the oddest in the 72 years since Strom Thurmond became the first person in the country to win a Senate seat as a write-in candidate. Graham beat U.S. Rep.
Return of a conservation leader will benefit state
Conservationists across the state got a jolt of energy this week with news that the S.C. Coastal Conservation League (SCCCL) will have one of its own soon in the organization’s leadership saddle. Megan Desrosiers, who worked at the Charleston-based nonprofit for 10 years starting in 2003, will take its helm in January after 13 years as the founding president and CEO of One Hundred Miles, a remarkably similar organization that’s showing a lot of success in protecting coastal Georgia.
Graham wins nod to replace her brother on ballot
Norman dominated the polls in the Upstate (in blue), but Graham carried the Midlands, Pee Dee and Lowcountry (green). Image via scvotes.gov Credit: scvotes.gov Recently appointed U.S. Sen. Darline Graham won a chance Tuesday to run for a six-year term in November after a rough-and-tumble primary runoff with U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman for a spot to replace her brother on the GOP ballot.
Andy Brack: S.C. race for U.S. Senate seat is oddest in decades
The November race for a new U.S. senator to serve a six-year term for South Carolina is the oddest in the 72 years since Strom Thurmond became the first person ever to win a Senate seat as a write-in candidate. This year, most agreed that Dr. Annie Andrews, a Charleston doctor and Democrat, had an uphill battle against four-term Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Brack: S.C. race for U.S. Senate seat is oddest in decades
The November race for a new U.S. senator to serve a six-year term for South Carolina is the oddest in the 72 years since Strom Thurmond became the first person ever to win a Senate seat as a write-in candidate. This year, most agreed that Dr. Annie Andrews, a Charleston doctor and Democrat, had an uphill battle against four-term Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Andy Brack: Return of a conservation leader will benefit state
Conservationists across the state got a jolt of energy this week with news that the S.C. Coastal Conservation League (SCCCL) will have one of its own soon in the organization’s leadership saddle. Megan Desrosiers, who worked at the Charleston-based nonprofit for 10 years starting in 2003, will take its helm in January after 13 years as the founding president and CEO of One Hundred Miles, a remarkably similar organization that’s showing a lot of success in protecting coastal Georgia.
Graham to face Norman Aug. 25 in GOP Senate primary runoff
Graham, left, will face Norman, right, on Aug. 25. UPDATED, 8/12/26 | Tuesday’s special primary for the state Republican Party’s quest for a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is headed to a runoff in two weeks – as expected in the 10-way race. Graham’s sister Darline, installed in July in her brother’s seat until the current term runs out in January, was the top primary vote-getter, nabbing 32.7% of the 335,017 votes cast statewide. Her opponent in an Aug.
Brack: Return of a conservation leader will benefit state
Conservationists across the state got a jolt of energy this week with news that the S.C. Coastal Conservation League (SCCCL) will have one of its own soon in the organization’s leadership saddle. Megan Desrosiers, who worked at the Charleston-based nonprofit for 10 years starting in 2003, will take its helm in January after 13 years as the founding president and CEO of One Hundred Miles, a remarkably similar organization that’s showing a lot of success in protecting coastal Georgia.
Kuhn’s new book focuses on family, growing up
Energetic former Republican state Sen. John Kuhn of Charleston has got a new book, I Tell It Like It Is!, which highlights his California upbringing and commitment to family. The self-published book, the first of three autobiographical works, also will be the focus of a 50-state tour that Kuhn plans for the fall. He is co-owner of Kuhn and Kuhn law firm in West Ashley, but no longer practices law.
Graham takes top spot in Senate primary; Runoff to be Aug. 25
U.S. Sen. Darline Graham Credit: Graham campaign website. Tuesday’s special primary for the state Republican Party’s quest for a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is headed to a runoff in two weeks – as expected in the 10-way race. The top vote-getter on Tuesday was his sister, recently-installed U.S. Sen. Darline Graham. She was appointed last month to finish her brother’s current term. The Associated Press has projected her to be in the runoff.
Chance encounter with past leads to questions
Posted 8/11/26 Riding along in the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains is a lot like traveling in Oconee and Pickens counties. Soothing, curvy highways slide across the dense, verdant landscape. The … This item is available in full to subscribers. Username or Email address Password Print and web subscribers If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.
Brack: Chance encounter with past leads to questions
Riding along in the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains is a lot like traveling in Oconee and Pickens counties. Soothing, curvy highways slide across the dense, verdant landscape. The differences: More poverty, fewer stores and a lot less people. So when the Tahoe’s navigation system reported the town where my great-grandparents lived almost 100 years ago was just six miles off the highway, it was a no-brainer to steer east to Ravenden Springs, Ark. The road got worse.
Better water planning would help state
Back in 1929, the man who became South Carolina’s longest-serving state superintendent of education (1922-47) included a quote in a state report about the need to be prepared. “Failing to plan is planning to fail,” said the report by James H. Hope. It’s still true today. With recent news around the state about two challenges related to the state’s waters, maybe it’s time for South Carolina to get a little more serious about water planning.
Brack: Better water planning would help state
Congaree River Back in 1929, the man who became South Carolina’s longest-serving state superintendent of education (1922-1947) included a quote in a state report about the need to be prepared. “Failing to plan is planning to fail,” said the report by James H. Hope. It’s still true today. With recent news around the state about two challenges related to the state’s waters, maybe it’s time for South Carolina to get a little more serious about water planning.
Johnson picks James Island’s Skardon as lieutenant governor running mate
Sam Skardon Credit: Provided James Island nonprofit leader Sam Skardon is the running mate for Democratic Party gubernatorial nominee Jermaine Johnson, the campaign announced Thursday. “Sam Skardon has a history in helping out marginalized communities and individuals who traditionally have not had access to capital and the political spectrum,” Johnson told the Charleston City Paper earlier this week.
Andy Brack: Flying in America isn’t pleasant these days
Perhaps the only industry with a bigger public relations problem than the Trump Administration is America’s airlines. These days, the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard is a little better than flying. Just about no one of late seems to have good flying experiences. A March poll, for example, showed two-thirds of Americans thought their air travel experiences at airports and on flights were worse than the year before.
Brack: Flying in America isn’t pleasant these days
Perhaps the only industry with a bigger public relations problem than the Trump Administration is America’s airlines. These days, the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard is a little better than flying. Just about no one of late seems to have good flying experiences. A March poll, for example, showed two-thirds of Americans thought their air travel experiences at airports and on flights were worse than the year before.
Andy Brack: America’s common good is in crisis
To understand the erosion of how Americans interact these days, just look to our recent story of vaccinations. For years, parents routinely got children inoculated so they wouldn’t get dreaded diseases like crippling polio or measles or diphtheria. They understood vaccines would protect their kids and their communities. Then along came Covid-19. Some 1.2 million Americas died — but many millions more didn’t die because they got a vaccine.
Brack: America’s common good is in crisis
To understand the erosion of how Americans interact these days, just look to our recent story of vaccinations. For years, parents routinely got children inoculated so they wouldn’t get dreaded diseases like crippling polio or measles or diphtheria. They understood vaccines would protect their kids and their communities. Then along came Covid-19. Some 1.2 million Americas died – but many millions more didn’t die because they got a vaccine.
The heat is on in South Carolina, nation
With heat indices at more than 110 degrees along most of the South Carolina coast this weekend, it’s a good thing that we don’t face global warming. That was sarcasm, if you didn’t figure it out. Seriously, even climate change deniers have to admit that something kooky is going on with the weather — from more than five dozen flooding days last year in Charleston alone to droughts and more intense hurricanes. Remember Hurricane Helene? People in the North Carolina mountains do.
Brack: The heat is on in South Carolina, nation
Credit: Unsplash With heat indices at more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit along most of the South Carolina coast this weekend, it’s a good thing that we don’t face global warming. That was sarcasm, if you didn’t figure it out. Seriously, even climate change deniers have to admit that something kooky is going on with the weather – from more than five dozen flooding days last year in Charleston alone to droughts and more intense hurricanes. Remember Hurricane Helene?
Brack: The heat is on in South Carolina, nation
Credit: Unsplash With heat indices at more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit along most of the South Carolina coast this weekend, it’s a good thing that we don’t face global warming. That was sarcasm, if you didn’t figure it out. Seriously, even climate change deniers have to admit that something kooky is going on with the weather – from more than five dozen flooding days last year in Charleston alone to droughts and more intense hurricanes. Remember Hurricane Helene?
Andy Brack: Homework for July 4 - Read the Declaration of Independence
What better time for a careful, considered reading of the Declaration of Independence. Two hundred and fifty years after our founding fathers penned this document, it continues to inspire freedom movements around the world. But we need to remind ourselves why patriots from New Hampshire to Georgia revolted in 1776 against a tyrannical monarchy.
Decision 2026 Analysis: Wilson's Win
When Steve Osborne sat down in front of the TV on May 26 to watch the state GOP’s last gubernatorial debate before the primaries, he was “on the fence” about his pick in the wide-open contest. The 57-year-old retail worker from Kershaw County liked Attorney General Alan Wilson. He was “genuine” and “personable,” Osborne said. One candidate wasn’t on stage: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
Brack: Maybe runoffs aren’t such a bad thing
Three years back came a column touting the merits of ranked-choice voting, a strategy used worldwide to settle elections more quickly – and to avoid costly new runoff elections. Also known as instant runoff voting, voters in several states simply go to the polls on election day like regular and pick their top candidate. But then they rank any other choices in the race.
Wilson wins GOP gubernatorial runoff race
Lacore, Honeycutt lead in 1st district primaries Editor’s Note: This story, published at 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, will be updated early Wednesday with more complete results. Republican S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson easily cruised to a Tuesday runoff victory against Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette by a wide margin. He’ll face Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson, a member of the S.C. House of Representatives in Richland County, in November.
Andy Brack: The 2028 election can’t come soon enough
The Trump Administration continues to be an embarrassment for lovers of liberty. It seems to screw up just about everything it touches or so corrodes what America’s democracy has stood for that it has made our nation a laughing stock again and again. The world breathed a sigh of relief in 2021 when Joe Biden and the adults took office to lead the United States. But in 2025 with the return of a grumpy, petulant, conspiracy-fueled Donald Trump to the White House, it’s gotten way, way worse.
Brack: The 2028 election can’t come soon enough
Credit: Rene Deanda, Unsplash The Trump Administration continues to be an embarrassment for lovers of liberty. It seems to screw up just about everything it touches or so corrodes what America’s democracy has stood for that it has made our nation a laughing stock again and again. The world breathed a sigh of relief in 2021 when Joe Biden and the adults took office to lead the United States.
Obituary: Zoe Hyman
Credit: Provided West Ashley artist Zoe Hyman, a 25-year-old known for a life filled with art, creativity, love and determination, died June 15 after a week of fighting devastating brain blood clots. The only child of Kay and Phillip Hyman of North Charleston, Zoe Hyman made lasting impressions on people in and outside of the region’s creative community. The origin of her name is Greek and means “life.” Many remember the life and joy she brought into rooms that she filled with energy and verve.
Andy Brack: We can all do better
All of us are imperfect creatures. We see these imperfections every day in the politician who twists facts or outright lies. Or in the greedy businessman who squeezes someone to make another penny. And in the person who is having a bad day and yells at someone for no reason. Face it: We can all do better.
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