SC GOP tweaks debate schedule for candidates running for governor. What to know
The South Carolina Republican Party tweaked its debate schedule for GOP candidates running for governor and made the timing more convenient for two candidates.
The first planned debate has been pushed back to April 1 from March 17. It also has been moved to the Newberry Opera House instead of taking place at Coastal Carolina University in Conway.
“We appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we work to ensure these debates are accessible, well-organized, and beneficial to Republican voters across our state,” SC GOP Chairman Drew McKissick said in a statement.
The new date comes when the U.S. House is not in session. The U.S. House is scheduled to be in session March 17, which would have forced U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman to choose between being back in South Carolina for the debate or in Washington, D.C., for potential votes.
With the new schedule, Attorney General Alan Wilson has committed to all three of the planned debates before the June 9 primary, his campaign confirmed to The State.
The first debate will be after the two-week candidate filing period ends. Candidates for governor will have to pay $4,243.12 to get on the ballot.
In order to qualify for the debate, candidates must have an average of 2% in state polls of likely Republican primary voters. Polls cannot be paid for by a campaign or a connected political action committee.
Candidates also must have raised at least $100,000 for their campaigns, from at least 250 unique donors contributing a minimum of $50 each.
Candidates also have to agree to support the party’s eventual nominee and attend a unity event after the nominee is determined.
The other two debates are scheduled for April 21 at the College of Charleston and May 26 at Wofford College.
If the race goes to a runoff because no candidate receives a majority of the vote in the June 9 primary, a final debate is scheduled for June 16 at Coastal Carolina University.
The runoff, if necessary would be June 23.
