SC GOP Governor Debate Set for Wednesday in Newberry

FOX Carolina to provide live coverage and live blog updates

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:50pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring a fragmented, repeating image of a political podium in shades of blue, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic and competitive nature of the upcoming GOP gubernatorial debate.The first GOP gubernatorial debate in South Carolina promises to be a high-energy affair, with candidates vying for the party's nomination.Newberry Today

The first in a series of South Carolina GOP gubernatorial debates will take place on Wednesday night in Newberry. FOX Carolina News will carry the debate live on air and on all of their streaming platforms, with additional post-debate coverage.

Why it matters

This debate is the first of several leading up to the South Carolina primary election for governor, which will determine the Republican nominee to face the Democratic nominee in the November midterm election.

The details

The debate will be held at the Newberry Opera House from 7 to 8 p.m. and will feature the six Republican candidates who have officially filed to run for governor. FOX Carolina will provide live coverage on air and across their streaming platforms, with additional post-debate coverage from 8 to 9 p.m. The network will also air live coverage of two more debates ahead of the primary election.

  • The debate will take place on Wednesday, March 30, 2026 from 7 to 8 p.m.
  • FOX Carolina will have post-debate coverage from 8 to 9 p.m. on March 30, 2026.
  • The South Carolina primary election will take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
  • If a runoff is needed, that election will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
  • FOX Carolina will air live coverage of a debate between the runoff candidates at 7 p.m. on June 16, 2026 at the College of Charleston.

The players

Jermaine Johnson

State Representative running for the Democratic nomination for Governor.

Mullins McLeod

Attorney running for the Democratic nomination for Governor.

Billy Webster

Businessman running for the Democratic nomination for Governor.

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What’s next

The winner of the Republican nomination for Governor will face the Democratic nominee in November's Midterm Election.

The takeaway

This debate is a key event in the South Carolina gubernatorial race, as it will be the first opportunity for voters to see the Republican candidates face off ahead of the primary election. FOX Carolina's extensive coverage will help keep voters informed and engaged throughout the process.