"As Republicans consider who should represent us on the ballot and represent South Carolina in the U. S.
Senate for the next six years, it's critical that they have an opportunity to compare the candidates on the issues and how they communicate their ideas to the public," McKissick said.
Grassroots Pushback Over Endorsement
The race follows growing tension within the state GOP after Trump endorsed Darline Graham shortly after helping arrange her initial appointment to fill her late brother's seat.
Local conservative leaders have voiced frustration over the move, describing it as an unexpected intervention in an open primary.
"This debate will basically be held one week before the primary. Early voting will start two days after the debate," McKissick said.
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"It's all or nothing at this point.
It's almost a certainty we're going to have a runoff when you have this many candidates in the field."
Local party leaders expressed skepticism regarding the endorsement's alignment with grassroots voters, noting that South Carolina Republicans had previously rejected Trump's preferred candidates in other recent state contests.
"The issue is that the president continues to get bad advice about South Carolina," said CJ Westfall, Chairman of the Dorchester County GOP.
"We certainly empathize with Darline — and even the president, as Lindsey was a really good friend of his — but he's certainly getting bad advice.
We've got a lot more exciting options for this seat. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity."
