AGP Executive Report

South Carolina Senate Runoff: Darline Graham won the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman 52%-48% in a race that’s being framed as a fresh test of President Trump’s clout in the Palmetto State. Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion to 47 states and territories over child-safety claims, with South Carolina expected to receive a share as part of promised Instagram/Facebook changes. Local Justice: SLED charged former Orangeburg Department of Public Safety officer Christopher Tyler with assault and battery after an alleged attack on a handcuffed arrestee. Public Safety Tech: Tempe, Arizona is removing Flock cameras after “misuse” concerns, adding to the national debate over automated license plate readers. Health Alert: South Carolina DPH confirmed rabies in a Fountain Inn skunk and multiple bats across Beaufort, Greenwood and Pickens counties, with exposed animals and people urged to seek guidance. Workplace Compliance: Federal investigators fined Tropical Grille more than $700,000 for child labor and wage violations across 13 locations in the Upstate.

SC Senate Runoff Fallout: Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP special runoff to replace late Lindsey Graham, beating Rep. Ralph Norman 52.5%-47.5%, and now faces Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews in November; the race also sparked rare booing when Trump’s name was mentioned at Norman’s concession. Campaign & Debate: Andrews pushed back on Graham’s attacks and framed the contest around affordability and healthcare, while strategists and commentators argued Trump’s endorsement and outside spending were decisive. Big Tech & Kids: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multistate settlement over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook, with child-safety reforms tied to the deal. Local Appointments: Laurens County named Air Force veteran Dale Williams as Veterans Affairs Director. Public Safety: Georgia and South Carolina kicked off the “Hands Across the Border” DUI enforcement push, citing fewer traffic fatalities year-to-date. National Legal Watch: A Texas federal judge struck down parts of the National Firearms Act, putting suppressor and short-barrel rules in legal limbo.

South Carolina Senate Politics: Appointed Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP special Senate primary runoff Tuesday, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman and locking in the Republican nomination to face Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews in November—an outcome widely seen as a direct win for President Donald Trump’s endorsement power after Graham’s narrow, Trump-fueled push. Meta Settlement / Child Safety: South Carolina is set to receive about $247 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook, with sweeping safety reforms required as part of the court-approved deal. National Politics / Midterms: Trump is also leaning into midterm campaigning with new ad plans that spotlight him personally, even as some GOP voices warn the party may be underestimating risks in key Senate races. Trade & Foreign Policy: The U.S. and Canada escalated their tariff fight, though analysts say a deal may still be possible to avoid a bigger trade war. Local Government / Infrastructure: Bamberg County celebrated the completion of Riley Drive upgrades after weather-related setbacks, with residents reporting the road held up during recent storms.

U.S. Senate Runoff: Sen. Darline Graham won South Carolina’s GOP special Senate primary runoff, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman 52% to 48% and securing the Republican nomination to face Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews in November. The race hinged on Trump’s endorsement and spending—Trump campaigned in Myrtle Beach and his MAGA Inc. super PAC poured more than $827,000 into the runoff—helping Graham, a political newcomer appointed after Lindsey Graham’s death, hold off a late challenge from Norman. Local Politics & Public Safety: Asheville City Council voted 5-2 to end its Flock Safety contract after residents raised privacy and surveillance concerns; the debate echoes similar controversies in South Carolina cities. Courts: In the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, a prosecutor said the all-women jurors could bring a “strange twist” to deliberations, with testimony and closing arguments set to wrap soon.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: South Carolina GOP voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman to replace the late Lindsey Graham, with Trump backing Graham and Norman leaning on experience and conservative credentials; the race has been roiled by Graham’s debate missteps and a fresh clip showing her getting testy with a voter recording her. Federal Election Oversight: The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is monitoring polling sites in Charleston County for the runoff, aiming to ensure federal voting-law compliance. State Courts: Five candidates filed for a vacant South Carolina Supreme Court seat, setting up legislative screening and a Nov. 16 public hearing. Public Safety & Justice: SLED charged a former Kingstree public works employee and three others in an alleged $10,000 fuel-card scheme; separately, AG Alan Wilson announced grand jury indictments tied to a fentanyl trafficking ring. Business & Local Economy: Columbia’s Chamber of Commerce named Jean Cecil Hudak as its new president/CEO. Trade Watch: Canada announced 50% retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion in U.S. imports, escalating the Trump-era trade fight.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman face voters Tuesday in the GOP primary runoff to replace the late Lindsey Graham, with the race framed as Trump’s endorsement test versus Norman’s long political record. MAGA Money: On Monday, Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. poured nearly $830,000 into Graham’s campaign for voter calls and texts, as Trump made a final tele-rally pitch. Election Watch: The DOJ will monitor some Charleston County polling sites Tuesday, described as routine; the state also reminded voters about eligibility, ID rules, and absentee deadlines. Public Safety: SCDPS reported four traffic deaths over Aug. 21-23. Crime Crackdown: Attorney General Alan Wilson announced 31 indictments tied to the “Last Stand” cartel pipeline investigation involving drug trafficking, shootings, and illegal nightclubs. Local Governance: Blythewood residents challenged Scout Motors development changes at a town council meeting, while the town said its regulatory role is limited. Health: The CDC says an alfalfa sprout-linked outbreak has reached South Carolina, with doctors monitoring for serious E. coli symptoms. USC Update: USC’s board elected Rose Buyck Newton as chairwoman and the university is seeking $20M for a Lindsey Graham-named ROTC center.

GOP Senate Runoff: South Carolina voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose the Republican nominee for the late Lindsey Graham’s seat, with Sen. Darline Graham Nordone facing Rep. Ralph Norman; early voting slightly outpaced the earlier primary, and voters must meet eligibility rules and show photo ID. Campaign Fallout: Graham is defending a viral national-security debate stumble as Trump and Sen. Tim Scott back her as “the real deal,” while Norman leans on doubts about her experience. Law Enforcement: SLED charged two Spartanburg-area lottery fraud suspects tied to counterfeit game tickets, and Orangeburg County deputies say they busted a neighborhood drug operation with marijuana, ecstasy, cash, and multiple guns seized. Local Government: Spartanburg County Council member Bob Walker resigned after an arrest and a dementia diagnosis. State Politics & Policy: Gov. Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster unveiled official portraits at the Governor’s Mansion. International/Trade: Trump escalated the trade fight with Canada, threatening 50% tariffs on vehicles, auto parts, and steel starting Jan. 2027.

South Carolina GOP Senate runoff: President Donald Trump told voters in Myrtle Beach to “pretend” he’s on the November ballot and back Sen. Darline Graham, as the Aug. 25 runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman tightens after Graham’s debate stumble on Taiwan/national security. Campaign trail: Graham made a final Beaufort push defending her inexperience and saying she can learn quickly with staff support, while Sen. Tim Scott praised her as “ready for prime time” and “highly qualified.” Voting updates: Early voting turnout is up across the Upstate for the runoff, with Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg all seeing higher early totals than the Aug. 11 primary. Law enforcement: SLED is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Townville, Anderson County, after deputies exchanged gunfire with an armed woman; no officers were injured. Energy prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in McCormick County at $4.79 (week ending Aug. 15), with Saluda County’s low at $4.37. National politics: Tim Scott also weighed in on AI data centers, saying China is using Democrats in a disinformation push against U.S. expansion.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: President Trump headlined a Myrtle Beach rally for Darline Graham, pressing voters to back Lindsey Graham’s sister in Tuesday’s GOP runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, as the campaign tries to recover from Graham’s debate stumble on national security and Tim Scott publicly defended her as “qualified” and “ready for prime time.” Democratic 2028 Spotlight: Pete Buttigieg returned to South Carolina to court Black voters and warn that redistricting is weakening Black representation, while the state’s role as the first Democratic primary in 2028 keeps national attention on SC politics. Statehouse & Policy: Charleston County School District announced four high schools ranked in South Carolina’s Top 10, including Academic Magnet at No. 3 statewide and No. 23 nationally. Local Governance: A Greenwood mayoral candidate’s residency is under scrutiny after a fire destroyed the home tied to his address, raising questions about South Carolina domicile rules. Cost of Living: News on homeowners insurance shows South Carolina premiums rising sharply after major storms, with Myrtle Beach residents paying far more than inland areas. Public Safety: Berkeley County joined the statewide Labor Day “Sober or Slammer” enforcement push through Sept. 7.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: President Trump campaigned in Myrtle Beach for Sen. Darline Graham, urging voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and warning that if Republicans lose in November he’ll be impeached and supporters will “lose everything” (border, tax cuts, jobs). GOP Politics & Messaging: Trump also floated a new line on the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “American territory,” while Iran pushed back amid rising tensions. White House Personnel: Outgoing press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she’s leaving the White House but returning to the Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc., as Trump teased that many want her old job. Local Government Watch: A Charleston Housing Authority board is facing scrutiny over open-meetings/open-records problems, with a Post and Courier reporter reportedly locked out of a special meeting. Courts & Accountability: A Winnsboro-area lawsuit targets Healthcare SC over a mattress-factory fire, alleging harmful chemical contamination. Community & Public Safety: Pawleys Island Community Church plans to restart kids’ ministry with added safeguards after a sex-offender scandal. Veterans & Service: NAACP Charleston hosted a veterans’ fair honoring Buffalo Soldiers’ Lowcountry ties.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: CPAC has endorsed Rep. Ralph Norman in the GOP runoff for the seat left by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, adding another conservative stamp as the race tightens against Darline Graham Nordone. Trump’s Rally Push: President Donald Trump campaigned in Myrtle Beach for Darline Graham, urging voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot to boost turnout, while also leaning into the “I got more votes than Lindsey Graham” line. Debate Fallout: Local GOP insiders say Darline Graham’s “national security is not my thing” debate moment is being treated as a strategy, not a slip, as she tries to close the gap with Norman. White House Legal Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court’s chief justice allowed work to continue on Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom while lawsuits play out. Food Safety: A multi-state alfalfa sprouts outbreak linked to Salmonella and E. coli has spread to 15 states, including South Carolina. Local Notes: A funeral was held in Greer for Las Vegas officer Austin “Zade” Abdelnabi, an Upstate native killed in the line of duty.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: President Donald Trump cranked up pressure for Sen. Darline Graham at a Myrtle Beach rally, telling GOP voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and promising turnout matters for keeping tax cuts and border policy intact in Tuesday’s runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. Campaign Fallout: Trump also defended Graham after her debate stumble on national security, calling her answer “very honest” and saying she’s “surrounded by very good people.” Foreign Policy on the Trail: In the same South Carolina stop, Trump escalated Iran rhetoric—saying the Strait of Hormuz is “American territory” and warning Iran it must never get a nuclear weapon—while Iran rejected the claims and vowed a “devastating” response to new threats. Early Voting Watch: Greenville County led early turnout for the GOP Senate runoff, with 7,042 votes, as statewide early voting totaled 63,712. Texas Religious Policy: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott moved to challenge airport wudu washing stations, arguing they’re discriminatory, after which DFW scrapped plans to add more.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: President Trump is set to stump in Myrtle Beach tonight for Sen. Darline Graham ahead of Tuesday’s GOP runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, with early voting ending Friday and critics still focused on Graham’s debate performance and foreign-policy misstep. Endorsements & Party Mood: Former Gov. Mark Sanford broke his usual neutrality to endorse Norman, arguing the national debt makes the stakes too high to sit out. Election Logistics: SCETV and Public Radio will air live coverage of the Aug. 25 special Senate Republican runoff, with polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and voters urged to check scVOTES.gov and bring photo ID. Law Enforcement Tech: Irmo residents protested an expanded Flock camera network after cameras were reportedly vandalized with foam sealant; in Colleton County, a deputy was fired after alleged unauthorized Flock searches. Public Health: A rabid horse in Aiken County exposed 13 people, prompting health officials to urge rabies precautions and reporting. Policy Watch: A new Office of Inspector General white paper warns Medicare DMEPOS fraud still costs taxpayers millions, pointing to gaps in supplier enrollment and oversight. National Courts: The NCAA won a Tenth Circuit stay in eligibility litigation for the 2022 class, but more lawsuits are expected.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: President Trump is set to travel to Myrtle Beach Friday to rally for Sen. Darline Graham ahead of Tuesday’s GOP runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman, underscoring how much the White House wants its pick to win. Early Voting: Early voting is already drawing heavy interest, with totals topping 25,000 statewide on day one; Beaufort County expects turnout similar to the earlier special primary. Campaign Security & Logistics: Myrtle Beach officials say Trump’s rally will bring the city’s highest security operation yet, while warning attendees about heat and long lines. Education & AI: Charleston-area educators are pushing “AI literacy” by showing students how chatbots can produce nonsense maps and other errors—aiming to build skepticism, not blind trust. Local Government Finance: Cherokee County School Board approved a tax anticipation note up to $5 million to bridge short-term cash needs. Child Welfare Case: Records show DSS investigated a Greenville County kinship placement multiple times before a 4-year-old girl’s death, raising new questions about why the child was never removed. Public Safety: Myrtle Beach’s rally planning, plus ongoing local booking reports, keep attention on law enforcement and community safety. International/Defense: Taiwan is expected to receive its first two F-16 Viper Block 70 jets, with deliveries tied to delays and ongoing tensions with China.

South Carolina Senate Runoff: Sen. Darline Graham advanced to the GOP runoff for Lindsey Graham’s seat, setting up a Aug. 25 matchup with Rep. Ralph Norman after neither hit 50% in the Aug. 11 primary; Trump endorsed Graham and the campaign is now focused on foreign policy and qualifications after Graham’s “national security is not my thing” Taiwan stumble. Israel & Iran Policy: Graham says she’s backing measures continuing Lindsey Graham’s pro-Israel agenda, including the U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act and Jewish American Security Act, plus expanded Iran sanctions. Local Accountability: Greenwood County Council Chairman Theo Lane said SLED closed its review of allegations against council member Robbie Templeton with “no charges,” calling the claims “baseless,” while Templeton said the inquiry ran from 7/27 to 8/6. Public Safety: Orangeburg County reported a school bus crash that sent 18 students and the driver to hospitals for evaluation after the bus hit a vacant mobile home. Statewide Enforcement: SCDPS and partners will hold “Hands Across the Border” drunk-and-drugged driving checkpoints across SC/NC on Aug. 24. National Guard Readiness: SC National Guard cyber teams were validated/recertified as part of the broader EMAC and Cyber Fortress 26 disaster and cyber response training.

U.S. Senate Runoff: Early voting is underway for South Carolina’s GOP U.S. Senate runoff, with voters casting ballots through Friday ahead of the Aug. 25 election, as county election officials report brisk turnout despite the short turnaround from the Aug. 11 primary. Campaign Fallout: Sen. Darline Graham’s debate performance is still reverberating, with critics zeroing in on her “national security is not my thing” answer during the final matchup against Ralph Norman. State Law & Health: Gov. Henry McMaster signed Deon Tedder’s seizure first-aid bill into law, requiring the state to create evidence-based seizure response materials for workplaces and public posting. Courts & Voting Access: A Fourth Circuit ruling struck down South Carolina’s “no-excuse” absentee ballot limits for voters under 65 as unconstitutional under the 26th Amendment. Local Government: Folly Beach voted to appeal a court ruling that invalidated its short-term rental cap and paused new STR license approvals while the city pursues its case. Public Safety: Greenville authorities continue investigating Hayden Panettiere’s death; multiple reports say the DEA has joined the probe amid discussion of an overdose and cardiac arrest.