Key State Party Members Address the Crowd
Conservatives from across the Lowcountry gathered Saturday night in Summerville for the fifth annual Faith, Family, and Freedom Dinner hosted by the Dorchester County Republicans. Gubernatorial candidates, including Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05), and State Senator Josh Kimbrell, spoke at the event as the race for governor heats up.
Gubernatorial Candidates Share Their Visions
Each candidate emphasized their commitment to local infrastructure, education, and their support for the current administration. Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette promised to eliminate South Carolina’s state income tax, citing other GOP-led states like Texas and Florida as examples. She also proposed creating her own version of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), called SCDOGE, to streamline government processes in South Carolina.
Evette distinguished herself from her opponents, saying, “You can pick a mother of three, a conservative businesswoman and a woman of faith, or you can pick a career politician.” She also referenced her steadfast support for President Trump, contrasting it with other candidates who joined Trump’s campaign later.
Wilson and Norman on Redistricting and Gun Violence
Attorney General Alan Wilson also discussed DOGE-ing the state to eliminate government spending, further committing to efficiency measures. Wilson also responded to recent threats made by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mullins McLeod, who had previously threatened Wilson in a police video. Wilson remained unbothered, saying, “Having people say mean things during a political campaign really doesn’t matter to me.”
Congressman Ralph Norman took aim at South Carolina’s lone Democrat representative, Jim Clyburn, promising to redistrict the 6th District to reduce his influence, saying, “We’re going to redistrict the sixth district. There’s no reason we should give the representative in the sixth district a voice.” Norman also addressed South Carolina’s crumbling infrastructure, referencing failing grades in key areas like aviation, drinking water, and public transit.
Kimbrell on Spirituality and Unity
State Senator Josh Kimbrell spoke about the ongoing “spiritual battle” he believes is happening in the U.S., framing the upcoming election as a fight between “good versus evil” and “liberty versus tyranny.” He emphasized the importance of belief in God and treating each other with civility in addressing the nation’s struggles.
Other Speakers and Criticism of Lindsey Graham
South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, up for re-election in 2026, praised teachers for the improvements in student reading scores. Paul Dans, the U.S. Senate candidate aiming to replace Senator Lindsey Graham, continued his criticism of the longtime incumbent. Dans criticized Graham for “double-crossing too many people” and emphasized the need for “America First” leadership.
The Upcoming Elections
As the race for governor and other statewide positions intensifies, many attendees at the event expressed their desire for change, particularly regarding infrastructure and fiscal responsibility. With the election still in its early stages, South Carolina voters will have many decisions to make in the upcoming November elections.
