2026 Election

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 18, 2026: we spoke with House Speaker Murrell Smith and Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey about what the final four weeks of session hold; we get the annual state of the judiciary update; we have a 2028 watch with another potential candidate visiting our state this week and another definitively ruling out 2028; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 14, 2026: we look at the Senate Finance Committee’s version for the budget and hear from the state’s chief economist on how healthy revenues are; we hear from SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell on a major groundbreaking for the I-95 bridge over Lake Marion; Sen. Lindsey Graham has one fewer challengers; and more!

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 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!

Filing for South Carolina's federal, statewide, state House and various other local offices opens Monday, March 16 and closes Monday, March 30.

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 February 28, 2026: we recap week seven of the legislative session, including action on bills dealing with personal income tax reductions, the Ten Commandments, hemp-derived consumables, redistricting, and NIL deals; Lt. Gov. Pam Evette dropped a new campaign ad touting the endorsement of Gov. Henry McMaster; we hear from Winthrop University Political Science Professor Scott Huffmon; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 14, 2026: we have a major endorsement in the Governor’s race; Attorney General Alan Wilson drops a new ad; we recap the major activity from week five of the legislative session; and more!