AGP Executive Report

Sex-Crime Charges: Rep. Nancy Mace’s former fiancé and two associates were charged in connection with an alleged 2018 assault and recording of an incapacitated woman on Sullivan’s Island. Upstate Jobs: Seven suppliers plan to invest more than $82 million and add 200 jobs to support Scout Motors’ South Carolina vehicle production. Senate Race: Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews clashed over their qualifications in their only debate; Graham also discussed data centers and local control during a Greenwood stop. School Board: Gov. Henry McMaster let Charleston County board member Darlene Roberson remain in office despite a state panel’s finding that she improperly shared confidential information. Affordable Housing: Columbia’s Grand Village project broke ground at a former motel site, bringing 30 income-based homes and a community center. State Projects: South Carolina approved rules requiring American-made iron and steel for certain state-funded construction, with exceptions for shortages or steep cost increases.

Senate Race: President Donald Trump is planning an Oct. 21 Greenville rally for Republican Darline Graham as polls show her race against Democrat Annie Andrews tightening. Andrews, meanwhile, took her affordability message to Beaufort, where homeowners raised concerns about sharply rising insurance costs. Data Center Pause: Mount Pleasant finalized a two-year moratorium on new data center development while it studies potential effects on power, water, noise and natural resources. Charleston Utilities: City Council gave first approval to a new Dominion Energy agreement that would speed up underground powerline projects and create dedicated funding; projects must secure easements within six months to stay on the list. Housing and Investment: Homeless No More broke ground on Grand Village, a $12.8 million Columbia project that will provide 30 affordable homes for families. Separately, energyRe secured $815 million for a 360-megawatt South Carolina solar portfolio.

Senate Race: Lindsey Graham and Annie Andrews clashed in their only expected debate, sparring over qualifications as the close race draws national attention. Campaigns are also taking different approaches: Democrats are emphasizing affordability, while Republicans focus on other issues. Clean Energy: Developer energyRe secured $815 million for five South Carolina solar projects totaling about 360 megawatts, backed by 25-year power purchase agreements. Health Care: Prisma Health plans to acquire 36 Novant urgent care centers statewide, adding about 500 employees; the deal is expected to close Nov. 1. Schools: South Carolina’s new school report cards show gains, with more schools earning excellent ratings and graduation rates rising. Small Businesses: Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Walhalla businesses affected by September’s Main Street fire, which damaged 10 businesses.

Senate Race: In their only scheduled debate, Republican Darline Graham, Democrat Annie Andrews and Libertarian Kasie Whitener clashed over healthcare, the Iran conflict and Graham’s qualifications, as polls show a close contest. Schools: South Carolina’s 2026 report cards show 320 schools earning Excellent ratings, up from 270, and the highest on-time graduation rate in a decade at 87.5%; results varied across districts. Economic Development: USA Rare Earth has broken ground on a planned $1.2 billion magnet plant in South Carolina, while Charleston-area business leaders are shaping a 10-year state economic plan focused on workforce, infrastructure, housing and innovation. Ports: A previously undisclosed agreement between South Carolina and Georgia port authorities effectively ends work on the long-planned Jasper Ocean Terminal. Helene Recovery: Gov. Henry McMaster says the federal government will cover more of the costs of recovery from Hurricane Helene.

Senate Race: In their expected only debate, South Carolina’s Senate candidates clashed over the Iran war, healthcare and affordability. Republican Sen. Darline Graham defended the conflict; Democrat Annie Andrews tied it to higher fuel and farm costs, while Libertarian Kasie Whitener also opposed it. Election Guide: Early voting runs Oct. 19–31, ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Jobs and Investment: Charleston County landed biotech firm Obatala Sciences, which plans to invest $656,000 and create 46 jobs. West Columbia manufacturer L&L Products formally opened an expanded facility and expects local employment to grow about 30%. Education: State college enrollment reached 258,027 in fall 2025, up 2.3% year over year. Fort Mill also reported 18 of its 21 schools earned the state’s top rating. Fuel Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular-gas price in Lexington County was $3.58 a gallon in the week ending Oct. 3; the county average was $3.91.

Senate Race: South Carolina’s closely watched Senate candidates clashed in their only scheduled debate. Republican Darline Graham defended President Trump, Democrat Annie Andrews attacked her record and qualifications, and Libertarian Kasie Whitener criticized both parties. They sparred over Iran, healthcare, the economy and data centers, with the race tightening ahead of Nov. 3. Public Health: South Carolina has reported 670 measles cases this year, among the nation’s highest totals; its count did not rise in the latest weekly report. State Politics: State Rep. Michael Rivers was arrested and charged with pointing a gun at a political opponent’s family member at a polling location on primary day. Local Government: Fort Mill Town Council is set to consider a first reading of raises that would bring the mayor’s annual pay to $15,425 and council members’ to $10,186. Any increase would take effect after the November 2027 election. Jobs and Education: South Carolina is expanding teacher loan forgiveness and investing $10 million in recruitment and retention programs. New business announcements include CurTec’s planned $10 million Oconee County expansion and Obatala Sciences’ Charleston County operation, expected to add 46 jobs.

Senate Race: Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews faced off in their first and likely only debate in a surprisingly tight South Carolina contest. Graham is under pressure after a primary debate misstep, as national Republicans step up their support. Statehouse: SLED charged Rep. Michael Rivers with pointing a firearm at a person during a campaign dispute. Public Health: Advocates warn possible state funding cuts could threaten sickle-cell programs; South Carolina ranks second nationally for prevalence. The state has also recorded 670 measles cases this year, among the highest totals nationwide. Jobs and Investment: Several expansions promise new work, including a Rock Hill manufacturer’s $20 million investment and 150 jobs, and a Charleston County biotech operation adding 46 jobs.

Gamecocks Recruiting: Five-star guard Jezelle “GG” Banks, ranked No. 4 in the 2027 class, committed to Dawn Staley’s South Carolina program over Texas and LSU. Upstate Flood Risk: The National Weather Service warned of possible flash flooding across parts of the Upstate, with heavy rain threatening streams, low-lying areas and crossings. State Politics: State Rep. Michael Rivers faces a charge of pointing a firearm at a person after a campaign dispute; SLED announced the charge. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s closely watched U.S. Senate race is heading toward a debate, with incumbent Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews trading attacks as national Republicans step up support for Graham. Data Center Debate: Concerns about water use and electricity costs are driving calls for lawmakers to regulate data center development in South Carolina. Teacher Benefits: The state is expanding student loan forgiveness for teachers, offering a boost to educators facing education debt.

South Carolina Politics: A tight U.S. Senate race drew national attention as President Trump urged Republicans to support Darline Graham and attacked Democrat Annie Andrews. The candidates prepared for their first debate amid close polls. Public Safety: SLED charged state Rep. Michael Rivers after an alleged gun-pointing incident during a campaign dispute, according to reports. Business and Growth: South Carolina lawmakers are examining what is driving the state’s record economic growth. CurTec plans a $10 million Oconee County expansion that will add 10 jobs, while Aiken’s $8 million airport runway resurfacing is complete. Weather: A flood watch remained in effect for parts of the Upstate through Sunday afternoon, with heavy rain raising the risk of flooding in streams and low-lying areas. Education: The state is investing $10 million in teacher recruitment and retention and expanding student loan forgiveness to help keep teachers in classrooms.

Senate Race: Republican Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews head into their first debate Sunday in a remarkably close contest. A recent poll put Graham at 46% and Andrews at 45%. Statehouse: SLED charged Rep. Michael Rivers with pointing a firearm at a man during an alleged dispute over his House race; Rivers was booked and later released on bond. Storms: Isaias could bring heavy rain and flooding to the Lowcountry, while a flood watch covers parts of the Upstate through Sunday. Columbia officials urged residents to avoid flood-prone streets. Education: South Carolina is putting $10 million toward teacher loan relief. Eligible teachers can refinance up to $27,500 at 2%, and some may qualify for loan forgiveness after five years in high-need districts. Jobs and Recovery: Charleston County’s new Obatala Sciences operation plans to invest $656,000 and create 46 jobs. South Carolina also secured a 90% federal cost share for Hurricane Helene recovery.

State Politics: State Rep. Michael Frank Rivers was arrested after investigators said he pointed a gun during a dispute over his House campaign. The arrest adds a jolt to an already tense election season. Senate Race: Republican Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews are drawing national attention and heavy campaign spending. Andrews says she opposes biological males in women’s sports and gender surgery for minors, responding to GOP attacks as the race tightens. Helene Recovery: South Carolina’s federal disaster cost share for eligible Hurricane Helene recovery work has risen from 75% to 90%, reducing the state and local share. Economic Growth: State lawmakers are examining the drivers of record growth as companies announce expansions. CurTec plans a $10 million Oconee County investment and 10 jobs; Charleston County’s Obatala Sciences plans 46 jobs. People and Opportunity: South Carolina led the nation in net gains of young adult residents in 2024, adding 22,843 Gen Zers after moves in and out of the state.

Population Growth: South Carolina added about 80,000 residents from 2024 to 2025, the nation’s fifth-largest increase, mostly through migration. Lawmakers are weighing how an influx of older residents will reshape demand for public services. Business Investment: CurTec plans a $10 million Oconee County expansion, adding 10 jobs, while biotech firm Obatala Sciences is opening its first East Coast operation in Charleston County with 46 jobs. Education: A new $10 million state-backed program offers public-school teachers 2% student-loan refinancing and, in some cases, loan forgiveness for teaching in South Carolina. Public Safety: Logan Federico’s father urged federal officials to advance “Logan’s Law,” a proposal for a public national database of criminal records, at a North Charleston roundtable with Attorney General Todd Blanche and local law enforcement. Election Readiness: Clarendon County approved 13 more poll workers for November as questions persist about staffing and the voter-registration office’s vacant director post. Hurricane Recovery: Federal cost-sharing for Hurricane Helene recovery in South Carolina has risen to 90%, easing the state’s share of rebuilding costs.

Election Watch: South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race has shifted from Safe Republican to Likely Republican in a new Crystal Ball forecast, as a GOP super PAC commits $5 million to support Darline Graham. Democrat Annie Andrews has also drawn scrutiny over her past positions on gender-related care for minors. State Politics: Republican and Democratic nominees for the 1st Congressional District debated affordability, health care and AI; gubernatorial candidates Alan Wilson and James Smith offered sharply different visions in their debate. Jobs and Investment: Rock Hill manufacturer Re:Build plans a $20 million expansion and 150 new jobs. Charleston’s new Obatala Sciences lab expects to hire 46 workers, while CurTec will invest $10 million and add 10 jobs in Oconee County. Education: SC State announced new scholarships for top-performing students and student leaders, including tuition, fees, books and guaranteed housing for qualifying residents. Public Integrity: SLED says former Loris clerk of court Todd Massey allegedly raised his own pay across 44 pay periods, collecting about $55,183 beyond his approved salary. Migration: South Carolina led the nation in net gains of Gen Z adults in 2024, adding 22,843.

Senate Race: South Carolina’s Senate contest has shifted from “safe” to “likely Republican” in Sabato’s Crystal Ball ratings as Democrat Annie Andrews and Republican Darline Graham head into the final weeks. A GOP-aligned Senate group has committed $5 million to Graham’s campaign. Campaign Controversy: President Trump’s anti-transgender slur targeting Andrews drew criticism; Graham said it was not how she would have put it, while redirecting attention to policy. Growth and Conservation: A Colleton County settlement bars data centers from about 62% of the county, including the ACE Basin. Re:Build plans a $20 million York County expansion expected to add 150 jobs. Storm Watch: Isaias could bring heavy rain to coastal South Carolina this weekend, with flooding concerns around high tide.

Senate Race: South Carolina’s contest is tightening: Republican groups are putting $5 million behind Sen. Darline Graham, while Democrat Annie Andrews condemned President Trump’s slur against her as “not presidential.” Governor’s Race: In their likely only debate, Republican Alan Wilson emphasized affordability and accountability; Democrat Jermaine Johnson argued the state should put residents’ prosperity ahead of business interests. Local Accountability: A former Loris city employee faces grand larceny and misconduct charges after a year-long SLED investigation; he previously pleaded guilty to embezzling about $70,000 from a local nonprofit. Jobs & Growth: Re:Build Manufacturing plans a $20 million York County expansion and 150 new jobs. Development: A settlement protects the ACE Basin from a proposed Colleton County data center, amid polling showing many South Carolinians want stronger safeguards for such projects. Public Health: South Carolina has reported 670 measles cases this year, second-most nationally, though state health officials report no active cases.

South Carolina Politics: The South Carolina Republican Party sued to require voters to declare party affiliation in GOP primaries, arguing the state’s open primary lets Democrats influence Republican nominations. U.S. Senate Race: National Republicans are reportedly sending $5 million to back Sen. Darline Graham as her race tightens against Dr. Annie Andrews, while Trump’s anti-trans slur targeting Andrews keeps dominating headlines and drew backlash from former Gov. David Beasley. State Government & Privacy: South Carolina’s AG joined a coalition urging the Supreme Court to let 9/11 victims access frozen Taliban funds, and the state also faces scrutiny over Flock license plate reader cameras. Local Environment: Over a thousand dead fish were found in Smythe Lake on Daniel Island; the state says low dissolved oxygen likely caused the kill. Business & Jobs: Re:Build plans a $20 million York County expansion in Rock Hill, adding 150 skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs. Health Care: Dr. Annie Andrews launched a “Patients and Prices” tour focused on lowering drug costs and reversing Medicaid cuts.