South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will host, broadcast and livestream a series of South Carolina Election 2026 primary debates beginning May 27 at 7 p.m. from SCETV studios in Columbia. The debates will air live across SCETV’s statewide television and radio network as well as across all SCETV’s digital platforms.
The debate schedule includes:
Republican Attorney General Primary Debate
May 27 at 7 p.m.
Confirmed eligible participating candidates include Stephen Goldfinch Jr., David Pascoe and David Stumbo.
Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate
June 1 at 7 p.m.
Confirmed eligible participating candidates include Pamela Evette, Josh Kimbrell, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, Rom Reddy and Alan Wilson.
Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Debate
June 3 at 7 p.m.
Confirmed eligible participating candidates include Jermaine Johnson, Mullins McLeod and Billy Webster.
Gavin Jackson, host of SCETV’s weekly public affairs program This Week in South Carolina and the South Carolina Lede podcast, will moderate the debates alongside SCETV’s Statehouse reporter Maayan Schechter. Together, they will guide discussion on key issues impacting voters across the state as South Carolina prepares for the 2026 election and June 9 primaries.
Although not open to the public in-person, viewers can watch the debates and access ongoing coverage during the 2026 election cycle live on ETV throughout the state via livestream on SCETV.org and PBS.org; by using a digital antenna; through cable, satellite and streaming television providers; on SCETV’s Facebook page and News YouTube channel; or on the SCETV and PBS apps. Further information about accessing SCETV’s broadcast television network is available on the SCETV website. Additionally, listeners can access SC Public Radio’s live coverage by listening via broadcast radio or on the SC Public Radio website and SC Public Radio Facebook page.
Additional coverage of South Carolina politics and public policy is available on ETV, ETV World and SC Public Radio. In-depth discussions about public policy topics around the state can be heard on the South Carolina Lede podcast, and a weekly recap of the state’s top headlines airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. on ETV with This Week in South Carolina.
SCETV continues its commitment to provide comprehensive election coverage throughout the 2026 election cycle, offering South Carolinians access to candidate information, election-related reporting and in-depth analysis across television, radio and digital platforms. SCETV strives to ensure every South Carolinian has access to trusted, nonpartisan information needed to make informed voting decisions. Through comprehensive, statewide coverage, SCETV works to remove barriers to access information, foster civic engagement and support informed citizens during the 2026 election cycle and beyond.
More information, including SCETV’s Political Candidate Debate Policy, can be found on the SCETV website at SCETV.org/elections.
HOW TO WATCH OR LISTEN
- Watch live on ETV
- Watch the livestream on the SCETV website.
- Watch live on SCETV’s Facebook page and News YouTube channel.
- Listen live on the SC Public Radio.
- Listen to the livestream on the SC Public Radio website and SC Public Radio Facebook page.
QUOTES
“By broadcasting and livestreaming these debates statewide, SCETV is bringing the candidates and key issues directly to the people of South Carolina. Through providing voters with direct access to candidates and the issues shaping the state, we remain committed to delivering clear, unbiased, accessible election coverage that helps residents stay informed and engaged.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
FAST FACTS
- SCETV will broadcast and livestream three South Carolina Election 2026 primary debates beginning May 27 at 7 p.m.
- The debate schedule includes the Republican Attorney General and both Republican and Democratic gubernatorial primary debates.
- SCETV host Gavin Jackson and Statehouse reporter Maayan Schechter will moderate the debates.
- Viewers and listeners can access the debates and ongoing coverage during the 2026 election cycle on broadcast and across SCETV’s digital platforms.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
