HomeColumbiaSouth Carolina GOP chair calls for closed presidential primaries after Democrats’ calls...

South Carolina GOP chair calls for closed presidential primaries after Democrats’ calls to vote for Nikki Haley

Columbia, South Carolina – The chair of the South Carolina Republican Party, Drew McKissick, has made a bold call to end the state’s tradition of open presidential primaries in what appears to be a significant political development in South Carolina. This move comes as presidential campaigns progress past South Carolina, aiming to restrict future primary elections to only registered party members. The suggestion aims to overhaul the current system where any registered voter, regardless of party affiliation, can participate in either the Republican or Democratic primary, provided they vote in only one.

South Carolina GOP chair calls for closed presidential primaries after Democrats’ calls to vote for Nikki Haley

Last weekend’s primaries in the focus

The push for closed primaries gained momentum following the Republican primary last weekend. The super PAC “PrimaryPivot” had encouraged Democrats and Independents, who abstained from South Carolina’s Democratic primary, to vote for former Gov. Nikki Haley in the Republican primary. South Carolina’s law permits such cross-party voting, sparking debates over the integrity of party primaries. McKissick expressed his frustration, emphasizing the importance of the party selecting its candidate without external influence.

“The most important thing that a party can do is pick a candidate to put on the ballot in November. And why, whenever we do that most important thing that we do, we can’t limit it to people who specifically support our party? It makes absolutely no sense at all,” South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick said.

A bill was introduced in the State House, but support remains questionable

To facilitate this change, a bill, H.3695, has been introduced in the State House, which, if passed, would require South Carolina voters to register with a political party or remain independent. However, only registered party members could vote in their party’s primaries. This proposal aligns with the South Carolina Republican Party’s platform, which McKissick has vocally supported.

Read also: California Gov. Newsom says Biden campaign should focus all energy on Trump: “Trump clearly is the nominee”

Despite the Republican supermajority in the State House and significant control over local elected positions, the bill faces opposition. Notably, Gov. Henry McMaster, himself a former South Carolina Republican Party chair, stands against closing the primaries. McMaster downplays the risk of significant cross-party voting intended to disrupt primary outcomes, a concern among some Republicans.

“Although people have theorized that there may be masses coming over and voting in the Republican primary just to cause mischief, so far in our history, it has not happened,” Gov. Henry McMaster told reporters last week.

Read also: Haley campaign is in big problem, Trump destroys her in every single state, poll shows

The proposed shift to closed primaries has not won any favor from Democratic lawmakers, and the South Carolina Democratic Party has expressed support for maintaining open primaries, despite opposing efforts to sway Democratic voters to support Haley in the Republican primary.

Latest

City of Columbia hosts workshop to connect realtors with housing loan programs and local lenders

Columbia, South Carolina - The Community Development Department of...

Southern Crown celebrates grand reopening and new era in Columbia beverage distribution

Columbia, South Carolina - This week, Southern Crown is...

City of Columbia invites residents to weigh in on downtown road extension at upcoming meeting

Columbia, South Carolina - Community members will soon have...

Residents invited to voice concerns and shape future projects with Florence officials next week

Florence, South Carolina - The Community Development Committee and...

Newsletter

From the web

City of Columbia hosts workshop to connect realtors with housing loan programs and local lenders

Columbia, South Carolina - The Community Development Department of...

Southern Crown celebrates grand reopening and new era in Columbia beverage distribution

Columbia, South Carolina - This week, Southern Crown is...

City of Columbia invites residents to weigh in on downtown road extension at upcoming meeting

Columbia, South Carolina - Community members will soon have...

Residents invited to voice concerns and shape future projects with Florence officials next week

Florence, South Carolina - The Community Development Committee and...

New water main installation brings temporary disruptions to several Florence neighborhoods

Florence, South Carolina - As the City of Florence presses...

City of Columbia hosts workshop to connect realtors with housing loan programs and local lenders

Columbia, South Carolina - The Community Development Department of the City of Columbia is getting ready to hold a workshop for real estate professionals that...

Southern Crown celebrates grand reopening and new era in Columbia beverage distribution

Columbia, South Carolina - This week, Southern Crown is going to have a big celebration. City leaders and company staff will gather for the...

City of Columbia invites residents to weigh in on downtown road extension at upcoming meeting

Columbia, South Carolina - Community members will soon have a chance to learn more about a major road project set to reshape downtown Columbia....