Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a rising contender in the 2016 GOP presidential race, will headline fundraisers in Columbia, Greenville, Rock Hill and Charleston for the S.C. Republican Party on March 19-20.

Walker is making his first visit to South Carolina, which has the South's first presidential primary, since attending Gov. Nikki Haley's re-election announcement in August 2013 in Greenville.

The other governors sharing the stage with Haley that day, Bobby Jindal of Lousiana and Rick Perry of Texas, have visited the Palmetto State several times in their bids to drum up interest for 2016 bids.

"Gov. Scott Walker is one of America's best governors and a proven election winner," S.C. GOP Party Chairman Matt Moore said. "Our Republican grassroots activists and party leaders look forward to hearing his Wisconsin success story in South Carolina." The state party events featuring the Badger State boss -- include:

• Columbia: 11:45 a.m. March 19, lunch at the Marriott Hotel
• Greenville: 6 p.m. March 19, barbecue diner at the TD Convention Center
• Rock Hill: 8 a.m. March 20, breakfast at the Holiday Inn
• Charleston: Noon March 20, lunch at the Francis Marion Hotel

Tickets and sponsorships range from $35 to $1,000 to each event, according to event details on the party's website.