Four Republicans seeking to be South Carolina’s next governor met on stage Wednesday for a debate that turned out to be mostly congenial, with the most obvious separation on their stances coming from a question about gambling.
The front lawn of the sold-out Newberry Opera House, which seats about 400, was decked out in campaign signs as the party faithful filed in to hear from candidates in the first debate ahead of the June 9 primaries. This year is the first time in 16 years with no incumbent running for governor.
The four who participated were state Sen. Josh Kimbrell of Spartanburg County, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of Charleston County, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman of York County, and Attorney General Alan Wilson of Lexington County.
