CHARLESTON -- Tuesday night's debate could feature as many as six Republican candidates for governor, making it more crowded -- and potentially more revealing -- than the first.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Isle of Palms businessman Rom Reddy, who did not participate in the inaugural debate earlier this month, have separately confirmed they plan to take part in the April 21 event at the Sottile Theatre in downtown Charleston.
In an April 15 social media post, Evette said she is the only candidate to have visited all of the state's 46 counties, adding, "I look forward to being on stage, fighting for you, next Tuesday night in Charleston."
Reached the same morning, a spokesman for Reddy's campaign told The Post and Courier they were in the midst of debate preparations, adding, "Yes, we are in and looking forward to it."
Their likely addition means the upcoming showdown at the Sottile Theatre could give GOP primary voters their closest look yet at the field.
Six of the seven Republican candidates for governor have been invited to take part in the state GOP-organized event but face an April 19 deadline to confirm participation.
Jacqueline Hicks DuBose, a school bus driver from Hartsville, was not invited.
Last month, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Charleston, raised concerns about the timing of the debate, citing a potential conflict with congressional votes and suggesting it was intentionally scheduled by the so-called establishment to "rig" it against her.
Her campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment April 17 regarding her attendance.
For the first time in 16 years, the state's top job is up for grabs without an incumbent, as Gov. Henry McMaster is constitutionally prevented from running again.
Who qualified?
The S.C. Republican Party voted to waive polling requirements, saying in an April 17 statement that the move was mean to ensure that a "broader slate of Republican candidates will have the opportunity to engage directly with voters on the issues that matter most to South Carolinians."
The following candidates have been invited to appear onstage for the second Republican gubernatorial debate. In alphabetical order, they are:
- Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette
- State Sen. Josh Kimbrell
- U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace
- U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman
- Isle of Palms businessman Rom Reddy
- S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson
What time is the debate?
The debate is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will last one hour.
Where can I watch it?
Gray Media will broadcast the debate across its South Carolina markets: WCSC in Charleston, WIS in Columbia, WMBF in the Grand Strand, WHNS in the Upstate and WAGT in Augusta-Aiken.
The debate will also be available to stream on station websites and apps.
How do I get tickets?
The debate is not open to the public. Attendance is limited to members of the S.C. GOP's Elephant Club at the Silver level and above.
Who is hosting the debate?
The South Carolina Republican Party in partnership with Gray Media.
Who are the moderators?
Justin Dougherty of WHNS will moderate. He will be joined by Judi Gatson of WIS, Raphael James of WSCS, Eric Weisfeld of WMBF and Gary David of iHeart Media and South Carolina's Morning News.
What happened at the first debate?
The first debate on April 1 was a surprisingly polite affair, with all participants largely agreeing on the issues with one notable exception: gambling. In the hour-long televised debate, the four candidates in attendance -- Attorney General Alan Wilson, U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace and Ralph Norman and state Sen. Josh Kimbrell -- matched one another on nearly every question asked of the moderators.