AGP Executive Report

South Carolina Politics & Government: Graham’s Legacy, Fast Follow: Hours after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s Washington memorial, the U.S. Senate advanced the Russia sanctions package he championed—86-12—setting up tougher pressure on Russia’s energy and financial networks, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy watching from the Capitol. Foreign Policy Meets the Palmetto State: Trump-Zelenskyy Talks: Trump met Zelenskyy at the White House ahead of Graham’s funeral, with Ukraine pushing for more cooperation and domestic production of key defenses. Local Governance & Public Trust: McBee Corruption Case: SLED charged four McBee leaders—including the mayor and police chief—in an alleged traffic ticket quota scheme, accusing them of pressuring officers to meet illegal ticket targets. State Political Spotlight: 2028 Primary Positioning: South Carolina Democrats say the state is set to keep its “first in the nation” role for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, expecting major campaign attention and economic activity. Consumer Protection: SCDCA Enforcement: The state consumer agency reported rising complaints and recovered about $853,000 for consumers in the first half of 2026.

South Carolina Politics: Greenville County Sheriff’s Office fired two employees for misusing automated license plate reader tech, following Greer police terminations tied to Flock camera misuse—raising fresh privacy and accountability questions as more Upstate agencies rely on the systems. U.S. Senate & Foreign Policy: Washington is in mourning for Sen. Lindsey Graham, with a Capitol Rotunda tribute and a funeral at the National Cathedral drawing Trump, Netanyahu, and Zelenskyy; Graham’s legacy is also shaping the Senate agenda as lawmakers move on major nominations and sanctions work. SC Military & Naming: The Pentagon is moving to rename Joint Base Charleston as Joint Base Lindsey Graham, citing Graham’s Air Force ties and decades of support for the installation. SC GOP Primary: Rep. Ralph Norman says he’ll “nuke the filibuster” in the Senate race to replace Graham, framing his pitch around borders, fiscal discipline, and fighting Democrats. Local Community: GSSM Foundation received a $1,000 grant from SPC Cares Foundation to help cover student meal plan fees for the 2026-27 school year.

Graham Replacement Race: South Carolina Republicans are rushing to replace late Sen. Lindsey Graham after his death, with the special GOP primary set for Aug. 11 and a crowded field of at least 10 candidates filing for the nomination. Lt. Governor Watch: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jermaine Johnson says his “special Lt. Governor announcement” is coming Thursday at the State House. Health Care Fallout: An opinion piece warns that closing the Unity on Main clinic in Greenville could strain pediatric and women’s health resources as federal funding losses hit South Carolina families. Voting Rights & Election Law: A political scientist weighs in on the ongoing fight over election rules and voting access as national pressure grows ahead of 2026. Local Tech & Privacy: York County and Rock Hill are expanding Flock Safety cameras, sparking privacy concerns even as police say the systems help solve crimes. Funeral Logistics: D.C. road closures and parking restrictions are set for Graham’s funeral week, with services livestreamed. State Courts: A Beaufort County voter challenge hearing was delayed after the election board lacked a quorum. Business & Industry: Century Aluminum’s Mt. Holly expansion is highlighted as boosting domestic aluminum production. Public Safety: SCDPS reports four deaths on South Carolina roadways over a recent weekend period.

Senate transition in SC: Funeral plans for late Sen. Lindsey Graham move from Washington to South Carolina this week, with a Capitol Rotunda arrival and a public procession in Columbia. Election logistics: Early voting for the special Republican primary in Graham’s seat runs Aug. 5-7, with rules on who can vote and photo ID requirements; Election Day is Aug. 11. Local tax decision: Aiken residents get a chance to weigh in Monday on doubling the hospitality tax from 1% to 2% to fund projects like a downtown parking deck and parks upgrades. GOP primary politics: Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham for the seat is drawing pushback from some South Carolina Republicans, including questions about qualifications. Public safety: Laurens County police say 29 people were arrested during an illegal street takeover, citing the state’s Roadway Protection and Safety Act. Policy & courts: A South Carolina judge ordered EPA to resume distributing $2.8B in climate justice funds to underserved communities. Tech/energy: Utilities across South Carolina are expanding power infrastructure as data centers drive demand, with regulators and providers wrestling over costs and reliability.

South Carolina Senate succession: Darline Graham filed to run for the full U.S. Senate term, entering a crowded GOP field that already includes Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, as the state prepares for a special election to replace late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Democratic primary politics: The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee kept South Carolina first in the 2028 presidential nominating calendar, a move that’s already drawing pushback from Iowa Democrats and fueling broader fights over who gets early influence. Public health watch: The CDC reports U.S. measles cases in 2026 have hit a 35-year high, with South Carolina listed among the hardest-hit states and most cases tied to low vaccination rates. Local law enforcement update: McCormick County Sheriff’s Office pushed back on misinformation, detailing multiple July incidents including a stabbing between adult siblings and other cases now under investigation. Military & readiness: A National Guard combat readiness exercise included units from Ohio, Michigan, and South Carolina, testing brigade-level operations in a multi-echelon training environment. Health care research: A THC/CBD medical treatment trial reported reduced agitation for hospice-eligible dementia patients, with results presented by MUSC and Georgetown researchers.

Iran War Footage: Never-before-seen documentary clips show Sen. Lindsey Graham privately pushing Trump toward a broader Iran war, while Netanyahu urged restraint—Graham replied, “That’s actually good counsel.” Election Politics: The DNC rules panel chose South Carolina to lead the 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar, sidelining New Hampshire and putting Nevada second. Public Safety Tech: A national look at police misuse of Flock license-plate reader cameras highlights cases including Greer, S.C., where officers were fired. Housing & Local Planning: Cities and states are rolling back parking minimums to ease housing costs, while an Anderson County zoning method review says the county’s approach needs work. SC Courts/Utilities: The SC Public Service Commission denied reconsideration in the Colleton County Canadys natural gas plant fight. Transportation Funding: Charleston County voters will decide a $4.25 billion transportation sales tax on Nov. 3. Health: CDC data shows U.S. measles cases hit 2,318 in 2026—South Carolina leads with 670. Local Notes: A Georgetown County crash killed a driver after a Cadillac hit a tree.

U.S. Senate & foreign policy: South Carolina’s political spotlight stays on the late Sen. Lindsey Graham as memorial plans roll out, with SCETV set to livestream the Washington services and a Columbia Statehouse ceremony on July 29; meanwhile, the White House says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet President Trump next week, with Graham’s funeral drawing major international figures. 2028 Democratic primary calendar: The DNC Rules and Bylaws panel recommends South Carolina lead off the 2028 presidential nominating contest again, pushing Iowa out of the early lineup and setting up a new order that includes Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia. SC GOP Senate race: A new South Carolina poll shows Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman leading a crowded special GOP primary field, with the race likely headed to a runoff; Rep. Nancy Mace also publicly questioned whether Graham meets ballot requirements. Public safety & courts: Lexington man Bradford Wayne Jovanelly pleaded guilty to fentanyl-induced homicide and faces the maximum 30-year sentence, the first conviction under the state’s fentanyl-induced death law. Health: Measles cases in the U.S. hit a 35-year high, with South Carolina reporting the most cases in 2026. Lottery: South Carolina Education Lottery results for July 25, 2026 were released, including Powerball (03-04-24-36-47; PB 17; PP 4) and Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL midday/evening numbers.

Public Health: The CDC says U.S. measles cases hit a 35-year high in 2026, with 2,318 confirmed cases so far—more than all of 2025—driven by declining MMR coverage and multiple outbreaks, including one that began in South Carolina last fall. Democratic Politics: The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to keep South Carolina first in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary calendar, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia, sidelining Iowa after years of leading. GOP Senate Race: Rep. Nancy Mace publicly questioned whether Sen. Darline Graham is qualified to be on the South Carolina GOP special primary ballot, even as Graham says she’ll run for a full term. Local Crime: Georgetown police say a third suspect is in custody in a July 7 shooting, with a minor charged as the investigation continues. Healthcare: Novant Health opened a new 24/7 freestanding emergency department in Bluffton, expanding local emergency care. Sports/Policy: Sen. Darline Graham backed WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham after Cunningham reiterated support for keeping biological males out of women’s sports. Security Screening: TSA Gold+ is expanding, with Charleston International Airport among the first to use private contractors for screening.

Graham Seat, GOP Primary: Former Gov. Mark Sanford jumped into South Carolina’s U.S. Senate special election race to replace the late Lindsey Graham, joining a crowded field that already includes Darline Graham, Russell Fry, Ralph Norman, Duke Buckner, Mark Lynch, Clark Neilson and others as the Aug. 11 primary filing window closes. Democrats’ 2028 Calendar: A DNC panel again put South Carolina first for Democrats’ 2028 presidential nominating contest, keeping Iowa out of the early window and bumping New Hampshire and others down the line. Public Health: The CDC says U.S. measles cases hit a 35-year high—2,318 through July 23—driven by lower vaccination coverage, with South Carolina among the hardest-hit states. Local Taxes: Greenville County approved a 1% “penny tax” sales referendum for the November ballot, setting up transportation funding and affecting whether cities can pursue their own local referendums. Surveillance Oversight: Greer and other Upstate agencies are facing renewed scrutiny after firings tied to misuse of Flock license-plate reader cameras, as lawmakers push for stronger rules. Data Center Power Fight: Groups opposing a Spartanburg-area data center power plant are asking the state Public Service Commission for review under South Carolina’s utility siting law.

U.S. Health Watch: Measles cases in the U.S. have hit a 35-year high, with 2,318 reported so far in 2026—already surpassing all of 2025, and South Carolina is singled out as the state with the most cases this year. Back-to-School Safety: South Carolina is reminding families that required vaccinations like MMR, polio, varicella, and DTaP/Tdap help keep schools open and protect kids who can’t be vaccinated. South Carolina Senate Race: With the Aug. 11 special GOP primary for Lindsey Graham’s seat approaching, Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham Nordone is drawing private doubts from some Republicans who say she still has major work to build grassroots support. Election Coverage: Gray Media and the South Carolina GOP are partnering to air a U.S. Senate special primary debate Aug. 3 across multiple stations and streams. Public Safety & Courts: A North Charleston man faces federal charges tied to a July 4 officer attack, and a Columbia man was sentenced to life for a 2023 murder. Aviation Security: TSA Gold+ is expanding, and Charleston International Airport is among early adopters moving toward private screening under federal oversight. Local Justice: Horry County authorities say they removed dozens of dogs from multiple Longs-area properties in an animal mistreatment investigation. Data Privacy: Georgia AG Chris Carr announced a multistate settlement with 23andMe over a genetic data breach, with limited recovery for states.

South Carolina Senate race reshapes fast: Former Gov. Mark Sanford jumped into the crowded GOP field to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, pitching himself on national debt and joining a contest already roiled by Trump’s endorsement of Graham’s sister, Sen. Darline Graham Nordone. Public safety: Commuters are again pressing for Highway 41 intersection safety upgrades after another deadly crash at Halfway Creek Road/Reflectance Drive. Law enforcement cooperation: AG Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation Fugitive Apprehension Unit arrested South Carolina fugitive Zebediah Rupert Rising, wanted for sexual conduct with a minor, and he’s awaiting extradition. State politics & governance: South Carolina lawmakers reached a tentative state budget deal after weeks of negotiations, with details still pending. Local government: Orangeburg County advanced a one-year moratorium on data center developments as residents and officials seek more information. Health & schools: South Carolina’s back-to-school vaccination push for military-connected children kicked off statewide. Culture & community: The S.C. State Museum will host a free Aug. 7 celebration after a Mount Pleasant artisan’s sweetgrass basket was confirmed as the world’s largest.

South Carolina Budget Deal: Lawmakers say they’ve reached a tentative state budget agreement after weeks of talks, but it still needs House and Senate approval—reportedly including tax relief for homeowners and seniors while postponing some local project decisions. GOP Senate Race: Former Gov. Mark Sanford has jumped into the crowded Republican primary to replace late Sen. Lindsey Graham, pitching stewardship and the national debt as he joins a field already packed with other contenders. Primary Politics: Democrats’ effort to reshuffle the presidential primary calendar is now being used by Republicans as ammunition in New Hampshire’s Senate fight, with critics arguing the party is sidelining New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation role. Public Safety & Privacy: A growing debate over Flock Safety AI license-plate cameras is hitting South Carolina as more communities adopt the technology, raising privacy concerns alongside public safety claims. Health Watch: Measles cases in the U.S. have surged past 2025 totals, with South Carolina’s outbreak history still in the spotlight as officials warn travel could drive more spread. Local Government: Darlington County Council tackled solar, a major land purchase, and opioid abatement funding in one meeting. Law Enforcement: SLED charged a Chesterfield County woman with lottery fraud.

South Carolina Senate politics & elections: With the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s legacy still reshaping the GOP field, Democrats and Republicans are also jockeying over the 2028 presidential primary calendar, with Nevada and South Carolina emerging as top contenders for the DNC’s early window. Federal voting access: South Carolina is working with DOJ on special Senate primary timelines to protect military and overseas voters, including agreement on how they can cast ballots amid eligibility questions. Local government & taxes: Greenville County council approved a 1% penny sales tax referendum for the November ballot, setting up a major transportation funding fight that could also affect whether cities pursue their own penny measures. Public safety & surveillance: A Greenville-area debate over Flock Safety cameras continues, with residents and officials questioning how license-plate tracking contracts could be used by federal agencies. Courts & policy: A federal judge ordered EPA to keep administering a $2.8B climate justice grant program, rejecting the agency’s attempt to revive the funding under a new order. Education: American Leadership Academy Blythewood opened its new K-12 campus with a ribbon-cutting, highlighting continued charter growth in the state. National politics with SC ties: Rep. Nancy Mace’s role in pushing a Third World immigration moratorium bill drew fresh scrutiny, including claims about the proposed entry-ban list. Justice system: A first-degree murder trial began for Stanley Mossburg in Tennessee, while South Carolina’s AG announced arrests tied to child sexual exploitation investigations. Aviation security: Charleston International Airport is among the first to join TSA’s new private screening model, a move that’s drawing pushback from TSA workers’ union.

South Carolina Senate succession: With Lindsey Graham’s death driving a special election, the filing window opened for the GOP primary to replace him, with five candidates already in the race (including Mark Lynch, Duke Buckner, Mark McBride, Clark Neilson and Samuel Shepherd), while Gov. Henry McMaster’s appointee Darline Graham Nordone is widely expected to file for the full term. Budget fight: South Carolina lawmakers remain stuck in a budget impasse as House and Senate negotiators clash over earmarks, leaving key programs unfunded and talks continuing. Courtroom politics: A First Amendment challenge targets South Carolina’s tattoo rules, including limits on where tattoo shops can operate and bans on head/neck/face tattoos. Local government & infrastructure: Greenville County advanced a roads “penny tax” referendum for November after a contentious council vote, setting up another fight over how to close the county’s road and bridge funding gap. Public safety & health: A Charleston port truck driver won a $325,000 settlement after a workplace incident led to a traumatic brain injury claim being denied. Environment: The Francis Marion wildfire kept spreading, with acreage and containment updates reported as smoke advisories affected inland areas.

Graham Memorial & Succession: Sen. Darline Graham’s office released details for Lindsey Graham’s two-day memorial run: a closed-to-public Capitol Rotunda arrival and program July 28 (livestreamed), followed by an invitation-only service at Washington National Cathedral, then events in South Carolina. Darline, sworn in to finish his term, is also moving toward a full-term bid. SC Senate Primary Filing: Candidate filing is open for the special Republican U.S. Senate primary to replace Graham, with a July 28 deadline; the first day drew multiple filings and more names are expected. Military/Overseas Voting: The South Carolina Election Commission reached a DOJ settlement to keep military and overseas voters eligible despite the tighter primary timeline, with added tracking and instructions. Budget Standoff: South Carolina lawmakers remain divided over the state budget, delaying funding for key programs while they negotiate earmarks and community projects. Local Governance: Clarendon County is preparing residents for the 2026 property reassessment, with appeals allowed and a state rollback/millage-rate structure limiting tax-bill impact. Public Safety & Courts: A Pawleys Island-area church and school investigation centers on a convicted sex offender’s alleged contact with children; in Greenville County, a killer’s defense is seeking a new trial after the state’s handling of related allegations shifted. Economy/Industry: Detpak opened a Spartanburg-area U.S. paper-based packaging facility, aiming to expand local jobs and supply reliability.

South Carolina Senate Succession: Sen. Lindsey Graham’s memorial plans are now set, with an invite-only Capitol Rotunda ceremony next Tuesday (livestreamed), followed by a Washington National Cathedral service and then public South Carolina observances. GOP Primary Countdown: Candidate filing for the Aug. 11 special Republican primary opens Tuesday at noon and runs through July 28, with Darline Graham (appointed to finish the term) joining the race alongside Russell Fry, Ralph Norman, and others. Election Administration: DOJ and the state election commission laid out rules for overseas and military voting for the special primary, including when UOCAVA voters will be notified and deadlines for returning ballots. Budget Pressure: South Carolina still lacks a finalized state budget 20 days into the fiscal year, raising concerns about SNAP and Medicaid funding as agencies operate under a continuing resolution. Public Safety: DPS released a preliminary fatality count for July 17–19 roadway deaths, and a separate report highlights the legal confusion around e-bikes and insurance gaps after crashes. Crime & Courts: Horry County police say they dismantled an underground dogfighting network, rescuing 58 dogs and arresting three men, while Georgetown County authorities arrested four people after a sex offender was found working near children at a church and academy.