2026 First Gubernatorial Debate Breakdown

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 4, 2026: we look at the first South Carolina GOP debate that took place on April 1 in Newberry; we have highlights from the debate, as well as post-debate interviews from three of the four candidates; we also caught up with South Carolina GOP Chairman Drew McKissick before the candidates took the stage; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 31, 2026: we look at the final filings for some major statewide races, and one big surprise in a congressional race; we recap additional Statehouse moves from last week as we stare down week 12 in Columbia; assistant US Attorney Sheria Clarke’s nomination to the federal bench was before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee last week; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 28, 2026: we look at two other candidates who have jumped in the governor’s race, including a Democrat; the first SCGOP governor’s debate is next week—but not everyone will be on stage; we look at some of the major legislative moves this week, including the so-called Bathroom Bill that is now on its way to the Governor’s desk; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 204, 2026, we look at the legislative week ahead with the House back in along with the Senate and more.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 21, 2026: were going to keep this pod pretty tight with our reporter round table. But we taped that discussion before we had a 12-hour long Senate day on Wednesday, and before the THC hemp bill passed on Thursday afternoon. Yes, me and Maayan were in the Senate til midnight. It’s totally thrown off my week, hence the abbreviated episode.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 18, 2026: we’re still talking hemp-derived THC drinks and maybe gummies; we look at some of the top filings so far for major races, including the senate and congress, and a newcomer emerges for the governor’s race; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 14, 2026: the House has passed its $15.4 billion budget as well as an income tax reduction bill; the Senate continues to debate the hemp THC drink regulation bill; Congressman Jim Clyburn announced his bid for an 18th term; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 10, 2026: it’s budget week in the House and the Senate is taking up hemp regulations this week; we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham about the latest on Iran; we also get a national/midterm/election vibe check with our good friend AP National Politics reporter Meg Kinnard; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 7, 2026: we have South Carolina updates on the war with Iran, including from Sen. Lindsey Graham; we look at the state Supreme Court election that wasn’t; Rep. Nancy Mace is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 3, 2026: we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham about joint strikes launched by American and Israeli forces against Iran on Saturday; we have some additional insight from Winthrop University political science professor Dr. Scott Huffmon; former President Joe Biden was in Columbia last week; and more!