South Carolina Lede

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 12, 2026: we talk a little bit more about redistricting ahead of moves this week; we also bring you more of our candidate conversations with Republican Rom Reddy who’s looking to be the next governor of our fair state; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 9, 2026: we’re bringing you everything we have right now on an expedited redistricting push by Statehouse Republicans, all at the behest of the White House, with a week left in the legislative session.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede forMay5,2026:we continue our look at the Republican gubernatorial field with Attorney General Alan Wilson; we also talk with the new state election commission director Conway Belangia about the upcoming primaries; we look atthe agreement the state has signed with the U.S. Dept. of Justice over sensitive voter information; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for May 2, 2026: we look at what happened in this third-to-last week of the legislative session; will a U.S. Supreme Court decision on Louisiana’s congressional maps lead to mid-cycle redistricting here? We hear from Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey and House Speaker Murrell Smith on the final six legislative days of session; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 28, 2026: we’re looking at two of the Republican candidates running for the party’s nomination on June 9 and for the win in November, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and 5th District Congressman Ralph Norman; while we are in a full sprint to sine die, we wanted to look at these two candidates as we start rolling out our profiles on several statewide candidates; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 25, 2026: we look at the second Republican gubernatorial primary debate that took place this week in Charleston.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 21, 2026: we have a bit of an econ pod as we discuss the economy with Dr. Joey Von Nessen; we have a Gavin Open Seas Maritime Report (GOSMAR) with SC Ports CEO Micah Mallace; we also visit Scout Motors’ newly opened training facility and talk costs and labor; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 18, 2026: we spoke with House Speaker Murrell Smith and Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey about what the final four weeks of session hold; we get the annual state of the judiciary update; we have a 2028 watch with another potential candidate visiting our state this week and another definitively ruling out 2028; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 14, 2026: we look at the Senate Finance Committee’s version for the budget and hear from the state’s chief economist on how healthy revenues are; we hear from SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell on a major groundbreaking for the I-95 bridge over Lake Marion; Sen. Lindsey Graham has one fewer challengers; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 11, 2026: we continue our look at energy in South Carolina, specifically the future of nuclear, the demand of data centers, and what elected officials are trying to do to regulate them.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede forApril7,2026:we’retaking a bit of a deep dive on energy for this spring break!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for April 4, 2026: we look at the first South Carolina GOP debate that took place on April 1 in Newberry; we have highlights from the debate, as well as post-debate interviews from three of the four candidates; we also caught up with South Carolina GOP Chairman Drew McKissick before the candidates took the stage; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 31, 2026: we look at the final filings for some major statewide races, and one big surprise in a congressional race; we recap additional Statehouse moves from last week as we stare down week 12 in Columbia; assistant US Attorney Sheria Clarke’s nomination to the federal bench was before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee last week; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 28, 2026: we look at two other candidates who have jumped in the governor’s race, including a Democrat; the first SCGOP governor’s debate is next week—but not everyone will be on stage; we look at some of the major legislative moves this week, including the so-called Bathroom Bill that is now on its way to the Governor’s desk; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 204, 2026, we look at the legislative week ahead with the House back in along with the Senate and more.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 21, 2026: were going to keep this pod pretty tight with our reporter round table. But we taped that discussion before we had a 12-hour long Senate day on Wednesday, and before the THC hemp bill passed on Thursday afternoon. Yes, me and Maayan were in the Senate til midnight. It’s totally thrown off my week, hence the abbreviated episode.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 18, 2026: we’re still talking hemp-derived THC drinks and maybe gummies; we look at some of the top filings so far for major races, including the senate and congress, and a newcomer emerges for the governor’s race; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 14, 2026: the House has passed its $15.4 billion budget as well as an income tax reduction bill; the Senate continues to debate the hemp THC drink regulation bill; Congressman Jim Clyburn announced his bid for an 18th term; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 10, 2026: it’s budget week in the House and the Senate is taking up hemp regulations this week; we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham about the latest on Iran; we also get a national/midterm/election vibe check with our good friend AP National Politics reporter Meg Kinnard; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 7, 2026: we have South Carolina updates on the war with Iran, including from Sen. Lindsey Graham; we look at the state Supreme Court election that wasn’t; Rep. Nancy Mace is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 3, 2026: we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham about joint strikes launched by American and Israeli forces against Iran on Saturday; we have some additional insight from Winthrop University political science professor Dr. Scott Huffmon; former President Joe Biden was in Columbia last week; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 28, 2026: we recap week seven of the legislative session, including action on bills dealing with personal income tax reductions, the Ten Commandments, hemp-derived consumables, redistricting, and NIL deals; Lt. Gov. Pam Evette dropped a new campaign ad touting the endorsement of Gov. Henry McMaster; we hear from Winthrop University Political Science Professor Scott Huffmon; and more!

On this episode of the SC Lede for February 24, 2026: We continue our coverage of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson with an update on memorial plans. We also have from Congressman Jim Clyburn and Camden Mayor Vincent Sheehen about their new books.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 21, 2026: House Freedom Caucus members try and impeach a solicitor; the expanded homestead exemption bill advances; the SC Supreme Court race gets a HUGE curveball; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 17, 2026: we sit down with Senate Minority Brad Hutto and House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford about the legislative session so far and what they hope to accomplish in a Republican supermajority Statehouse; two big national Democrats are heading to the Palmetto State later this month; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 14, 2026: we have a major endorsement in the Governor’s race; Attorney General Alan Wilson drops a new ad; we recap the major activity from week five of the legislative session; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 10, 2026: we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham on sanctuary cities and the latest on his Russian sanctions bill; we look at the fallout from President Donald Trump’s social media post depicting the former president and first lady as primates; we get the latest regional economic pulse from Richmond Fed President & CEO Tom Barkin; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 7, 2026: President Donald Trump has endorsed in on one of, if not, the most critical statewide races this year; we look at major bills that moved this week, including the abortion pill bill, and DUI bill, and what happened to the hemp bill; we also have some committee action for you, including remarks from the first subcommittee hearing on the comprehensive data center regulation bill; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 3, 2026: we catch up with some of our favorite statehouse reporters for a vibe check on the legislative session as we kick off week four; we look at what’s on tap and get a look at two polls for the SC Republican gubernatorial nomination, as well as fundraising numbers for several congressional races; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 31, 2026: we look at Gov. Henry McMaster’s ninth and final State of the State address; we also hear from Hopkins Democratic Rep. Jermaine Johnson with the Democratic message and reaction from House Speaker Murrell Smith; we take a look at some House and Senate floor activity over a bathroom bill and DUI bill, respectively; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 27, 2026: we continue to look at the future of the S.C. Dept. of Transportation as both chambers seek to reform and better fund the agency; we have new polling from the Republican gubernatorial campaign trail; we get a checkup with the leadership of MUSC about the demands of our growing and aging state, expansion efforts, and their proposed comprehensive cancer center; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 24, 2026: we recap some of the biggest legislative moves this week in the Senate and the House; we recently heard from the governor and Statehouse leadership on what’s needed in the next governor to continue the major growth our state has seen; and is Congressman Jim Clyburn running again? We have some answers; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 20, 2026: we hear from some potential 2028 Democratic presidential hopefuls; we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; we also have major campaign trail updates; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 17, 2026: we recap the first week of the 2026 legislative session, which includes action on big bills like abortion, DUI, bathrooms, taxes, and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 13, 2026: our exclusive sit-down interview with Senate Republican leadership, including Senate President Thomas Alexander, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, and Labor, Commerce, and Industry Chairman Tom Davis; we have a wide-ranging interview for you previewing what Senate Republicans who hold a 32 to 14 supermajority in the Chamber plan to do this final year of the two -year session; we’ll discuss taxes, abortion legislation, data center concerns, energy concerns and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 10, 2026: our special live Lede taping from this week featuring House Speaker Murrell Smith; we also hear from Statehouse reporter Maayan Schechter as we preview the 2026 legislative session; we discuss the key issues that are expected to shape South Carolina; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 6, 2026, we give you the Lede 2026 economic outlook for South Carolina, thanks to USC Darla Moore School of Business research economist Dr. Joey Von Nessen.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 20, 2025: host Gavin Jackson is joined by guests A.T. Shire and Maayan Schechter to discuss what’s in and what’s out for 2026.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 16, 2025: a preview from House Speaker Murrell Smith and other members of House Republican leadership on their priorities for 2026; a South Carolinian is set to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate; the measles outbreak continues to rage in the Upstate; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 12, 2025: our live lead taping from Mount Pleasant and Hobka Brewing. Enjoy the conversation we had with the Post & Courier’s Caitlin Byrd!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 9, 2025: we continue our look at infrastructure with a reporter on what the SCDOT needs to keep up with the state’s record-breaking growth; we hear from Congressman Jim Clyburn on redistricting efforts happening in states around the country; Victoria Hansen has a deep-dive look on the state of South Carolina’s shrimping industry; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 6, 2025: the spread of measles continues to balloon in the Upstate so we talk with Dr. Linda Bell about efforts to limit the spread; we have a GOSMAR update and hear a bit more from Ports CEO Micah Mallace amid a dip in volumes; a major rift blew up on the gubernatorial campaign trail on Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s staff; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 2, 2025: we have an exclusive sit-down with South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Justin Powell for our annual look at transportation infrastructure in our growing state--the challenges, accomplishments, and where the state heads next; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 22, 2025: we look at the Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee that failed to advance that restrictive abortion bill this week; we delve into a damning investigation into former House Rep. RJ May and the Freedom Caucus; we also get an update on projected revenues lawmakers will have to appropriate with next year; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 18, 2025: we preview some of the legislative meetings happening this week, including the screening of judicial candidates and a hearing on what would be the most restrictive abortion law if passed; we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham on the shutdown ending, the looming healthcare debate, and potential conflict in Venezuela; we also have a 1st congressional district update for you; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 15, 2025: we continue our look at Election 2026 and tackle the latest major news out of Washington with the end of the federal government shutdown; we welcome AP National Politics Reporter Meg Kinnard and South Carolina Public Radio Statehouse and political reporter Maayan Schechter to join the conversation; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 11, 2025: we take a hard pivot from news and politics to food and beverage as four South Carolina restaurants were awarded Michelin stars, and several more were given prominent designations in the Michelin Guide; we talk with Hannah Raskin, one of the South's most preeminent voices in the South's food, beverage, and dining culture scene; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 8, 2025: we continue our look at the ramifications of the federal government shutdown and hear from Congressman Russell Fry and Sen. Lindsey Graham; we continue to look at the ramifications of federal decisions, including a report from Maayan Schechter on the impacts to South Carolina farmers; Congresswoman Nancy Mace is suing the Charleston International Airport while she faces an ethics complaint filed against her; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for November 4, 2025: we look at the latest drama from the gubernatorial campaign trail, including Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s security meltdown; we have the latest on the government shutdown; Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell provides an economic update while cutting rates; and more!