AGP Executive Report

Early Voting: Nearly 50,000 South Carolinians cast ballots on Monday, the first day of early voting. Voters will decide races for more than 10 state offices, including governor and treasurer. Treasurer’s Race: Republican incumbent Curtis Loftis is seeking a fifth term amid fallout from a $1.8 billion accounting discrepancy. A review found most of it stemmed from accounting errors, not missing cash; challenger Vincent Coe says the episode shows the need for stronger oversight. School Safety: State officials marked National School Bus Safety Week as new figures showed 508 bus-related crashes in 2024, including two fatal crashes. South Carolina transports about 335,000 students each school day. Youth Health: An MUSC-linked study found regular vaping among girls ages 15 to 17 rose to 7.8% in 2024, compared with fewer than 5% of boys, prompting calls for stronger prevention and intervention. State Fair: Columbia’s fair is drawing complaints over rules requiring some visitors under 18 to attend with a parent age 21 or older. The restrictions apply during specified hours, and some adults say they were turned away while accompanying children in their care.

Early Voting: South Carolina’s midterm voting begins today, with Spartanburg County sites open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Oct. 31. Voters will decide statewide and local races, with Election Day on Nov. 3. Public Health: South Carolina has recorded 670 measles cases and 67 hospitalizations this year, the nation’s second-highest total, as U.S. cases climb to their highest level since 1991. Managing Growth: Beaufort and Port Royal have approved temporary pauses on new large apartment projects while they study the effects of rapid development and plan for growth. Local Schools: Spartanburg District Five named three finalists for superintendent: leaders from Greenville County, Anderson District Two and McCormick County. Charleston County: Voters will choose a probate judge and weigh several County Council races; at least one new council member is guaranteed, with development, traffic and a proposed transportation tax among the key issues. Coastal Heritage: Morris Island Lighthouse marks its 150th birthday as preservationists work to protect the landmark from erosion and rising seas.

Public Safety: An 11-year-old was hospitalized after a dog attack in Spartanburg; police cited the owner. Elections: Early voting is underway ahead of South Carolina’s Nov. 3 general election, with “No Kings” demonstrators rallying outside the State House and candidates campaigning across the state. Courts: A judge has ruled on DNA testing ahead of Alex Murdaugh’s retrial, where his defense is seeking to test evidence. Energy and Jobs: A South Carolina nuclear industry advocate says renewed activity at the V.C. Summer site could bring construction, engineering and trade jobs, though the project’s future remains uncertain. College Football: Clemson shut out Charleston Southern 37-0 for its first shutout in five seasons. South Carolina now prepares to host Tennessee in Columbia. Parks: The state opened a former utility workers’ retreat as South Carolina’s 51st state park.

Election Watch: Early voting begins Monday across South Carolina, with county centers open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until Oct. 31. Voters need photo ID; Election Day is Nov. 3. Mount Pleasant: Town leaders are seeking public ideas for a 38-acre Faison Road property after failing to agree on a plan. The town bought the largely undeveloped tract for about $6.5 million in 2021. Worker Rights: More than 200 South Carolina FedEx drivers have filed lawsuits alleging the company failed to pay overtime. They argue FedEx controls contractors so closely that it should share responsibility for their wages. Murdaugh Retrial: A judge has allowed Alex Murdaugh’s defense to test DNA ahead of his retrial, as the case continues to draw scrutiny over evidence and police handling. Clemson Football: The Tigers shut out Charleston Southern 37-0, earning their first shutout in five seasons.

South Carolina Elections: Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 19, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. In the open 5th Congressional District race, Republican Wes Climer has raised nearly $1.1 million—about five times Democrat Mallory Dittmer’s total. In House District 66, Republican Jackie Terribile raised nearly three times as much as Democrat Heather Hart. Child Safety: Two K-9s joined South Carolina probation agents to sniff out hidden electronic devices during checks of more than 900 supervised sex offenders. Murdaugh Retrial: A judge has allowed DNA testing as lawyers dispute how investigators handled evidence and missing weapons. Clemson Football: The Tigers blanked Charleston Southern 37-0, their first shutout in five seasons.

Campaign Money and Voting: South Carolina’s Senate race is drawing a sharp fundraising contrast: Democrat Annie Andrews raised $9.4 million in the third quarter, compared with Republican Sen. Darline Graham’s $1.5 million. Early voting starts Monday, Oct. 19, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. In the 1st Congressional District, Democrat Nancy Lacore raised $2.1 million, more than three times Republican Jenny Costa Honeycutt’s total. Murdaugh Retrial: A judge allowed Alex Murdaugh’s defense to test unidentified male DNA found under Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails as lawyers dispute evidence ahead of the April retrial. State and Local: S.C. State University’s research and extension initiative will run Freewoods Farm near Myrtle Beach, a site dedicated to preserving the history of Black farming. Nephron Pharmaceuticals named an interim CEO after Lou Kennedy’s departure. Columbia: Immaculate Consumption, a downtown coffee shop open since 2001, plans to close Nov. 20 after its building was bought by USC’s development foundation. Football: Charleston Southern visits Clemson after quarterback Jared Echols led the Buccaneers past ranked S.C. State in his first start.

Senate Race: South Carolina’s contest is tightening as Democrat Annie Andrews and Republican Sen. Darline Graham poll nearly even, with early voting starting Oct. 19. Democrats have outraised GOP candidates nationally in many competitive Senate races, while Trump plans a Clemson rally to boost Graham. Child Death Review: Charleston County’s coroner has asked SLED to independently examine agencies’ actions before the deaths of Emory and Harlow Deacon; their mother faces homicide charges. Murdaugh Retrial: A judge warned against turning the case into a “circus” as lawyers sparred over evidence, with the defense winning a DNA ruling but losing a bid on ballistics. Campus Safety: SC State is barring nonresident guests from residence halls through Oct. 25 and requiring tickets for campus entry on homecoming game day, Oct. 24. Road Planning: The Army Corps will hold public meetings Nov. 17–19 on the proposed SC-22 extension in Horry County, with comments accepted through Dec. 4. State Parks: Ramsey Grove, a 2,650-acre property along the Black River, has opened in Georgetown County with trails and historic sites.

Utility Merger: South Carolina lawmakers got their first formal briefing on NextEra’s proposed $67 billion Dominion Energy merger. The companies promise customers about $10 a month in bill credits for two years, but lawmakers say key questions remain over costs and jobs. Midterm Elections: Early voting begins Monday and runs through Oct. 31 ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The closely watched Senate race and a debate in the 1st Congressional District are drawing fresh attention. Sex-Crime Charges: Three men, including Rep. Nancy Mace’s former fiancé, face charges tied to an alleged 2018 assault in Charleston. Murdaugh Retrial: Alex Murdaugh is due in court as his lawyers and prosecutors dispute DNA testing and access to ballistics materials ahead of his April retrial. Upstate Jobs: Seven suppliers plan to invest $82 million and add 200 jobs to support Scout Motors production, as South Carolina faces the challenge of building a workforce for the project.

Election 2026: Fairfield County early voting runs Oct. 19–31, and election officials are urging residents to plan ahead as counties seek more poll workers. Mace Case: SLED arrested three men, including Rep. Nancy Mace’s former fiancé, in connection with sexual-assault charges; all are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Health Care: Bon Secours and UnitedHealthcare are negotiating a new contract. Without an agreement, the system’s South Carolina facilities could leave UHC networks Jan. 1. Jobs & Industry: Seven Upstate suppliers plan to invest $82 million and add 200 jobs to support Scout Motors. Governor’s Race: Republican nominee Alan Wilson proposed tax and regulatory changes he says would lower household costs. State Fair: The South Carolina State Fair is underway, with safety checks planned for all 65 rides. Around the State: Florence’s free Pecan Festival returns Nov. 1, with organizers expecting more than 50,000 visitors.

Sex-Crime Charges: SLED arrested three South Carolina men in a case tied to Rep. Nancy Mace’s House speech; her former fiancé is among those charged. Upstate Jobs: Seven auto suppliers plan to invest $82 million and add 200 jobs as they expand to serve Scout Motors’ Blythewood plant. Election Watch: South Carolina’s attorney general race pits Republican prosecutor David Stumbo against Democrat Richard Hricik, while Anderson County needs hundreds more poll workers. The ACLU is also seeking intervention over polling places reportedly closed in Clarendon County. Public Safety: A 14-year-old Charleston boy lost an eye after police say a 17-year-old friend fired a gun while they were handling it. Charleston Power: A proposed new franchise agreement would fund underground power-line projects, with the city and Dominion each contributing about $1.29 million in 2026. Health and Support: A South Carolina domestic-violence advocate says abuse can include isolation and emotional control, not only physical violence; confidential help is available at 1-800-799-SAFE.

Manufacturing: Seven Upstate suppliers plan to invest $82 million and add 200 jobs tied to Scout Motors’ Blythewood plant, expanding the state’s electric-vehicle supply chain. Election 2026: Sen. Darline Graham says a Trump rally in Greenville next week is a strong possibility as she faces a tight race; South Carolina early voting begins Oct. 19. Education: More South Carolina schools earned top ratings, though leaders say challenges remain. Greenville’s Legacy Early College high school and middle school both received excellent ratings. Public Safety: SLED charged three men, including Rep. Nancy Mace’s former fiancé, with sex-related offenses tied to an alleged 2018 assault on Sullivan’s Island. Separately, a Greenville County dogfighting investigation led to one arrest and the rescue of 10 dogs. State Fair: Columbia’s fair opens with safety checks, ride inspections and increased law-enforcement presence.

Education: South Carolina schools posted their strongest report-card results in at least a decade: 320 earned Excellent ratings and on-time graduation reached 87.5%. Education leaders say college readiness still needs work. Election 2026: Senate candidates clashed over qualifications and data center growth; early voting begins Oct. 19, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Development: Mount Pleasant approved a two-year pause on data center projects, while a separate agreement blocks them across most of Colleton County’s ACE Basin. Affordable Housing: A former Columbia motel is being redeveloped as Grand Village, a 30-home community backed by $12.8 million in funding. State Fair: The fair opens Thursday, Oct. 15, with new food and attractions; safety checks are underway on all 65 rides. Public Safety: A head-on crash in Lexington County killed one person and injured two others. Gamecocks: South Carolina football snapped its SEC drought with a 38–19 win over Florida.

Public Safety: Carowinds has paused Fury 325 and Thunder Striker after a fatal fall at a Georgia amusement park; officials have not said when the rides will reopen. In Anderson County, a hunter faces charges after a stray bullet killed a rescue donkey. Affordable Housing: Homeless No More broke ground on Grand Village, a $12.8 million Columbia project that will create 30 affordable homes for families at the former Grand Motel site, plus a community center. Elections: South Carolina early voting runs Oct. 19–31, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. In the state’s only scheduled U.S. Senate debate, Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews clashed over data center expansion and other issues. Education and Health Care: New state report cards show broad gains, with about 90% of schools rated average or better, though leaders say college readiness still needs work. AnMed is building an Upstate nursing training center that could expand Tri-County Tech’s program from 60 to 160 students per semester within five years. Sports and Events: South Carolina’s women’s basketball team is picked to win another SEC title. The State Fair opens Thursday with new rides, food and entertainment.

Senate Race: In their only expected debate, Sen. Lindsey Graham and challengers Annie Andrews and Kasie Whitener clashed over data centers, with concerns including water use, electricity bills and whether local communities get a say. Schools: New state report cards show more South Carolina schools earning excellent ratings, while officials say college readiness remains a gap. Storms & Safety: Isaias brought tornadoes and flash flooding to the Midlands; state officials also reported six roadway deaths from Oct. 9 to 11. Economic Development: USA Rare Earth has broken ground on a planned $1.2 billion magnet plant in South Carolina. Gamecocks: South Carolina’s women’s basketball team was picked to win a sixth straight SEC regular-season title, with Joyce Edwards named to the preseason first team. State Fair: The fair opens Thursday, Oct. 15, with new food, rides and attractions.

Schools: South Carolina’s 2026 report cards show a record 52% of schools rated Good or Excellent, with 320 earning Excellent. The on-time graduation rate reached 87.5%, and college and career readiness hit 79%. Greenville County reported a 92.2% graduation rate, while nine Lancaster County schools earned Excellent ratings. Senate Race: Republican Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews traded sharp attacks in their only expected debate, sparring over affordability, national security and President Trump as the Nov. 3 election nears. Severe Weather: Hurricane Isaias’ remnants spawned five EF1 tornadoes in the Midlands forecast area and brought flash flooding; reported tornado damage was mostly downed trees. Arts Commission: A second board member is stepping down after the commission denied grants to two LGBTQ+ arts groups. Board member Russell “Rip” Parks and chair Flavia Harton are set to resign Oct. 16. Public Health: South Carolina has reported 670 measles cases this year, among the highest totals nationwide.

Senate Race: In their only scheduled debate, Republican Sen. Darline Graham, Democrat Annie Andrews and Libertarian Kasie Whitener clashed over the economy, Iran, AI and healthcare. The contest has tightened ahead of the Nov. 3 election. State Fair: Columbia’s South Carolina State Fair opens Oct. 15, with new rides and food among the attractions. Winter Outlook: Forecasters expect a wetter-than-usual winter in South Carolina, which could ease drought but raise river and coastal flood risks. History and Culture: Charleston’s International African American Museum opens “They Lived” on Oct. 16, centering the lives of seven enslaved people captured in historic photographs. Public Health: South Carolina has reported 670 measles cases this year, among the highest totals nationwide. Schools and Sports: Beaufort County is launching its first girls flag football league, backed by a $15,000 Panthers grant and equipment for participating schools. Clemson hosts Charleston Southern Saturday at noon.