Meg Kinnard, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom presents his revised 2025-2026 state budget during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role

July 7, 2025

California Gov. Gavin Newsom begins a two-day tour of South Carolina, meeting voters in rural and Republican-leaning areas. The trip over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday includes eight stops at coffee shops, small businesses, and churches. Newsom’s visit to this early-voting state signals potential interest in a 2028 presidential run. On Wednesday, he plans to visit Seneca, a conservative town in a county where Donald Trump won over 75% of votes in 2024. South Carolina holds significant influence in Democratic primaries due to its diverse electorate. Newsom’s efforts reflect a strategy to broaden his appeal beyond his liberal California image.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks to reporters after a Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittee on the Department of Defense hearing on budget estimates for the Navy, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Lindsey Graham gets GOP primary challenge from André Bauer, South Carolina’s former lieutenant gov

July 1, 2025

Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. André Bauer has announced a GOP primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham. Bauer, a longtime supporter of Donald Trump, criticizes Graham for not being conservative enough to represent South Carolina. He describes himself as an “America First conservative” focused on the state’s true conservative values. Graham, a four-term incumbent, has faced similar challenges before but maintains strong Republican support, including Trump’s endorsement. Bauer, a wealthy developer, plans to heavily campaign across the state. He previously served as lieutenant governor and has run unsuccessfully for other offices. South Carolina’s GOP primaries often see intense competition.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, center, speaks at his launch event for the state's 2026 governor's race as his father, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., watches, Monday, June 23, 2025, in Lexington, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

Alan Wilson, South Carolina’s four-term Republican attorney general, enters 2026 governor’s race

June 23, 2025

Alan Wilson, the four-term Republican attorney general of South Carolina, kicked off his bid for the state’s first open gubernatorial race in 16 years. Wilson’s announcement Monday in his hometown of Lexington sets up a 2026 GOP primary contest that’s likely to be a heated competition for President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Ahead of that official launch, Wilson sat down for a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, laying out his vision for the gubernatorial campaign. Official filing for the state’s 2026 elections doesn’t open until March, but several other Republicans have made moves toward running in South Carolina’s first open governor’s race in 16 years. That includes Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, Rep. Nancy Mace and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell.

Meg Kinnard.

Gavin Newsom swings through South Carolina, where Democrats will play pivotal 2028 nominating role

Lindsey Graham gets GOP primary challenge from André Bauer, South Carolina’s former lieutenant gov

Alan Wilson, South Carolina’s four-term Republican attorney general, enters 2026 governor’s race

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