Senate candidates' Social Security stance: what are their proposals on this matter?

Social Security has emerged as an important issue in South Carolina's 2026 special Senate election, with candidates debating how to protect retirement benefits while addressing the programmes financial challenges.

Their proposals range from increasing taxes on high earners to considering structural reforms, while some have yet to offer a detailed plan.

The race took on additional significance following the death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in July. Republican Darline Graham , his sister, was appointed to fill the vacant seat, while Democrat Annie Andrews and Libertarian Kasie Whitener have also outlined their positions on the programme.

The candidates' views could matter nationally, as Congress faces decisions about Social Security 's long-term funding.

Social Security provides income to retirees, people with disabilities and eligible family members of deceased workers. More than 70 million Americans receive benefits, making changes to the system an issue with consequences for households across the country.

The debate is particularly pressing because the programme faces a projected funding shortfall.

According to reporting by the SC Daily Gazette, Congress must act within the next six years to avoid an automatic reduction in benefits under the latest projections for the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. The candidates disagree on how that challenge should be addressed.

How the candidates propose to protect Social Security

Democrat Annie Andrews has called for increasing the amount of income subject to Social Security payroll taxes, arguing that the wealthiest Americans should contribute more.

Under current rules, Social Security taxes apply only to earnings up to an annually adjusted maximum. In 2026, that limit is $184,500.

Andrews has also said she would oppose raising the retirement age. Her position aims to protect the age at which Americans can claim their full retirement benefits while increasing contributions from higher earners to help maintain the programme's finances.

Libertarian candidate Kasie Whitener has proposed a different approach. She supports establishing a bipartisan study committee to develop recommendations for addressing Social Security 's financial problems, using a process similar to the commission that reviewed military base closures after the Cold War.

Whitener has also suggested allowing younger Americans to opt out of Social Security and invest their money for retirement independently.

She criticised Andrews ' proposal to increase the taxable wage limit, arguing that additional revenue would go to a government she does not trust to spend it responsibly.

Republican Darline Graham has not presented a specific proposal for resolving Social Security 's funding shortfall.

During the October 11 debate, she spoke about her personal experience relying on the programme after losing her parents at a young age, as well as the importance of benefits to her 91-year-old aunt.

Following the debate, a campaign spokesman said Graham was open to discussions about possible changes but would not support measures that harm older Americans. He added: “No one who’s nearing retirement age will ever be impacted by what Sen. Graham decides to do.”

Other proposals and the wider debate

The candidates' positions also reflect a broader question about how to balance protecting current retirees with ensuring the programme remains viable for future generations.

In an earlier round of campaigning, Republican candidate Samuel Shepherd explicitly opposed taxing Social Security benefits.

He argued that recipients should not be taxed on payments he characterised as borrowed money, and called for changes to how the federal government finances the programme. His comments were part of the wider Republican primary field's responses to questions about the issues facing South Carolina.

Ultimately, the candidates offer sharply different approaches. Andrews favours increasing contributions from higher earners and protecting the retirement age; Whitener advocates a bipartisan review and greater individual investment choice; and Graham has emphasised protecting older Americans without committing to a specific funding solution.

For voters, the central question is which approach can protect benefits today while keeping Social Security financially sustainable for the next generation.

The outcome of the election could help determine which priorities South Carolina's next senator brings to Washington as Congress confronts the programme's future.