South Carolina Lede

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 18, 2026: we are in the sprint to the August 25th U.S. Senate Republican special primary runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman; we have more analysis of the race from USC's Dr. Kirk Randazzo; Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy was in town stumping for State Sen. Wes Climer, who was running for the 5th Congressional District; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 15, 2026: we are heading to the August 25 special U.S. Senate Republican primary runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman; we hear from the two of them on election night; we also get analysis and a look ahead with political communications strategist Rob Godfrey; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 11, 2026: you’ve already heard from the candidates, now you’re going to hear from the voters on this special election day; we’ll also discuss Pres. Donald Trump’s influence on this race; host Gavin Jackson brings you clips from his visit to Joint Base Charleston, now Joint Base Lindsey Graham, on Monday; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 8, 2026: host Gavin Jackson introduces you to the top five candidates vying for the republican nomination for U.S. Senate on August 11 in the Senate special republican primary.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 4, 2026: we recap for you all the major moments from the celebrations of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s life in Washington and in Columbia over the past few days; we also look at the race to replace Graham on the November ballot, with nine certified candidates all vying for the nomination on August 11, and more likely the August 25 runoff; we have highlights from those candidates, who held their first stump on Saturday; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 25, 2026: we continue our look at the life and legacy of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham; we also look at the next steps for this senate seat, including the upcoming special primary election on August 11 where several people have already filed to run, with others expected; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 22, 2026: we look back at the life of and some moments of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s 30-plus years in public office, comments from his friends, family, and colleagues, and the people who are already looking to become the nominee in a lightning-quick special primary election.

Stand by: host Gavin Jackson is back from Europe and working on the next South Carolina Lede. Check back soon for the latest episode!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 7, 2026: we bring you part one of Pulitzer Prize winning author Jon Meacham’s recent speech and conversation at the two-day, Revolutionary Ideas symposium at Dock Street Theatre in Charleston on June 25, 2026.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for July 4, 2026: we take time to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America; we’ll visit a key battlefield and talk with veterans excavating another; we’ll also hear from Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian Jon Meacham; and more!