SC GOP plans 3rd televised debate for governor candidates. What to know
Three GOP hopefuls for governor are set to be on the debate stage Tuesday in Spartanburg as candidates meet for their third televised debate ahead of the 2026 primary election.
Here’s what primary voters need to know to hear from candidates before casting a ballot.
When and where?
The debate is scheduled to take place from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday at Wofford College.
How to watch
If you don’t have a ticket distributed by the South Carolina Republican Party or one of the campaigns, you could watch the debate on a Gray Media station.
- Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson: WHNS FOX Carolina and on all digital platforms
- Columbia: WIS NBC 10 and on all digital platforms
- Charleston: WCSC Live 5 and on all digital platforms
- Myrtle Beach: WMBF NBC and on all digital platforms
- Augusta-Aiken: WAGT NBC and on all digital platforms
- Charlotte Digitally on WBTV website and news app platforms
- Savannah: Digitally on WTOC website and news app and CBS platforms
Who will be on stage?
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, Isle of Palms businessman Rom Reddy and Attorney General Alan Wilson have said they will participate.
Who won’t be on stage
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said she won’t attend, opting to hold a get-out-the-vote rally in North Myrtle Beach instead.
State Sen. Josh Kimbrell, who is from Spartanburg County, did not receive an invitation because he did meet the 5% polling threshold set by the party.
Will another televised debate happen?
Yes. South Carolina ETV has scheduled a debate for Republican candidates for governor at 7 p.m. June 1. Evette, Kimbrell, Mace, Norman, Reddy and Wilson are set to participate.
ETV also has a debate with Democratic candidates for governor, state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, Charleston Attorney Mullins McLeod, and Greenville businessman Billy Webster, June 3.
A debate for Republican candidates for attorney general, state Sen. Stephen Goldfinch Jr., 1st District Solicitor David Pascoe and Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo, on Wednesday.
Aren’t people already voting?
Yes. In-person early voting began Tuesday and runs through June 5. Early voting sites will be closed on weekends. To find your voting location and a sample ballot, go to scvotes.gov.
