Nine Republican hopefuls for Senator Lindsey Graham’s seat spoke directly to voters in Florence County, South Carolina. They discussed the conflict with Iran, socialism in the Democratic Party, and concerns about Flock cameras.

The event hosted by Alan Wilson resembled ‘speed dating’, with each candidate having six minutes to address the audience. The primary is set for August 11, making this event vital for candidates’ final appeals.

Darline Graham

Darline Graham, chosen to finish her brother’s term, spoke last. She stressed her intention to earn votes, despite her lack of political ambition. Referencing her experience with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, she asserted she’s not a ‘DEI’ candidate.

Highlighting shared views with Trump, she addressed issues such as keeping transgender girls out of female sports, supporting Israel, voter ID, and ending blanket birthright citizenship.

I’m all for protecting the privacy of U.S. citizens. The other side of it is, if there’s an emergency situation that an ambulance can be called quicker, and it can save lives.

Ralph Norman

Rep. Ralph Norman criticized the Senate, proposing rules changes to pass bills like the SAVE Act. He opposes federal regulation of AI data centers, despite Trump’s support for them.

Norman emphasized their negative community and environmental impacts, expressing his stance against widespread data center development.

Mark McBride

Former Mayor Mark McBride diverged from Trump on Iran, advocating for an immediate end to the conflict.

We just have to admit we’ve lost the war. We’ve lost this battle.

Sam Shepherd

Sam Shepherd, an inventor and engineer, positioned himself as more conservative than Trump. Bragging about 44 patents, he focused on resolving bureaucratic and military complexities.

Russell Fry

Rep. Russell Fry linked regulations to affordability issues, advocating for reduced government interference. Addressing border security, he criticized Biden and praised Trump’s work ethic.

Mark Sanford

Mark Sanford, former Governor, addressed the national debt crisis. Highlighting its effect on delayed life milestones, he connected it to the American dream’s increasing difficulty.

The national debt nearing $40 trillion demands urgent attention, he argued.

Mark Lynch

Businessman Mark Lynch called for ending the filibuster and expressed strong anti-abortion views. He distanced himself from AIPAC, differing from the group’s Israel support.

Danny Ford II

Danny Ford II raised concerns about Flock cameras, advocating for sustainable data centers. He highlighted the rapid, uncontrolled development that affects residents negatively.

Glenda Gail Parker

Retired budget analyst Glenda Gail Parker, identifying as a conservative independent, broke with Trump on energy. She urged energy diversity beyond oil and gas.

Those companies that are interested in longevity must realize that they are in the energy business, not the oil and gas business.

Parker advocated for solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower to mitigate climate extremes and aid farmers post-disasters.