The first Republican debate for South Carolina’s 2026 governor’s race brought four candidates to the stage Wednesday, marking the first open race in 16 years without an incumbent.
The event, held at the Newberry Opera House, drew a sold-out crowd of about 400 people as voters gathered ahead of the June 9 primary.
Details
The debate featured four candidates:
- Josh Kimbrell
- Nancy Mace
- Ralph Norman
- Alan Wilson
The sharpest divide of the debate came on South Carolina’s gambling policy.
Norman and Wilson both opposed casinos, citing concerns about crime and human trafficking. Wilson said he would consider discussions around online gambling, noting limits on enforcement.
Kimbrell opposed mobile betting but supported a casino along Interstate 95 to boost economic development in struggling areas.
Mace avoided taking a firm stance, saying she would review legislation and seek public input.
Candidates were also asked to name the state’s biggest issue.
Kimbrell, Mace, and Wilson pointed to affordability and the rising cost of living, emphasizing tax cuts as a solution.
Norman instead highlighted government “fraud, abuse, and corruption” and called for term limits.
Many took Norman’s comments as disingenuous, given that his political career started almost 20 years ago in 2008, and given that, as the co-founder of the congressional solar caucus, he took campaign contributions from Silfab’s lobbying firm SEIA, than admitted on video to personally calling every member of the York County Council and pressuring them to approve Silfab’s factory in Fort Mill. He has continuously been a strong vocal supporter of one of the most controversial factories in the Charlotte region, despite overwhelming and continuous pushback from his constituents.
The debate also featured lighter moments. A protester in a chicken costume stood outside, taking aim at Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who did not attend.
Evette said earlier that participation costs limited how many supporters she could bring.
What’s Next
Additional candidates did not appear due to eligibility or scheduling issues, though more are expected in future events.
Upcoming Republican debates are scheduled at:
- College of Charleston on April 21
- Wofford College on May 26
A potential runoff debate is set for June 16 at Coastal Carolina University.
Candidates will also appear April 9 in Florence at a forum hosted by Russell Fry.
