Berkeley County GOP to Co-Host 1st Congressional District Candidate Forum

The event will feature multiple candidates seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:05am

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A warm, cinematic painting of an empty political debate stage or podium, with diagonal sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet anticipation for the upcoming forum.The upcoming candidate forum aims to give voters an early look at the field of GOP hopefuls vying to represent South Carolina's First Congressional District.Summerville Today

The Berkeley County Republican Party and the Dorchester County Republican Party are teaming up to host a major candidate forum ahead of the 2026 congressional race, offering voters an early look at those vying to represent South Carolina's First Congressional District. The forum is scheduled for Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Lowcountry Conference Center in Summerville and will feature questions from active, dues-paying members of the two county Republican parties.

Why it matters

This forum marks one of the first major public events in the lead-up to the 2026 election cycle for South Carolina's First Congressional District, a race expected to draw significant attention across the region. The event will provide voters with an early opportunity to compare candidates and hear directly about their positions on key issues shaping the district's future.

The details

The Berkeley County Republican Party and the Dorchester County Republican Party are co-hosting the 'Decision 2026: First Congressional District Candidate Forum' to give voters a chance to hear from the candidates seeking the GOP nomination. The event will focus on major issues affecting the Lowcountry, including national security, infrastructure, economic growth, immigration and the rising cost of living. In a departure from traditional forums, questions will come exclusively from active, dues-paying members of the two county Republican parties.

  • The forum is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6 p.m.

The players

John McGrath

Chairman of the Berkeley County Republican Party.

CJ Westfall

Chairman of the Dorchester County Republican Party.

Nick Reagan

Live 5 News reporter who will co-moderate the forum.

Dan Brown

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Jay Byars

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Jenny Costa Honeycutt

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Logan Cunningham

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Tyler Dykes

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Kendal Ludden

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Sam McCown

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Alex Pelbath

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Cindy Riley

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Mark Sanford

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

Mark Smith

Candidate seeking the GOP nomination for the First District seat.

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What they’re saying

“This forum is about putting voters first and giving them a real opportunity to hear directly from the candidates who want to represent them in Congress.”

— John McGrath, Chairman of the Berkeley County Republican Party

“Our counties share many of the same unique challenges—rapid growth, infrastructure demands, and preserving our quality of life — yet we are often overshadowed in congressional races that also include the vibrant communities of Charleston and Beaufort.”

— CJ Westfall, Chairman of the Dorchester County Republican Party

What’s next

The forum marks one of the first major public events in the lead-up to the 2026 election cycle for South Carolina's First Congressional District, a race expected to draw significant attention across the region.

The takeaway

This candidate forum provides an early opportunity for voters in the Lowcountry to directly compare the positions and priorities of those seeking to represent them in Congress, shaping the tone and focus of the 2026 race.