Columbia, S.C.Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the governor of Arkansas, will be the main attraction at the most recent version of what was once characterized as the biggest yearly assembly of Republicans in South Carolina, a state that has historically played a significant role in selecting the GOP’s presidential choices and with whom she already has close ties.
The Associated Press was informed by Rep. Sheri Biggs of South Carolina’s 3rd District that Sanders would be the headline speaker at her Salute to Liberty, which is scheduled for August 18 in Anderson. During an interview last week, Biggs expressed her belief that the governor embodies the values and beliefs of the people in the 3rd District. She sees him as a straightforward, hardworking individual who loves the Lord, wants to live in harmony with their families, and upholds conservative principles.
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The South Carolina location, which has historically served as a springboard for Republican presidential candidates, gives Sanders an opportunity to meet a sizable contingent of party enthusiasts, usually over 2,000. Additionally, President Donald Trump, with whom she was press secretary throughout his first term, is still well-liked by this group.
Since her father, former Arkansas governor and current U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, ran for the 2008 GOP nomination, Sanders, whose name is mentioned among possible 2028 presidential candidates, has been visiting South Carolina. She has lately visited other areas that allow early voting, such as Iowa, where she spoke earlier this month at the Family Leadership Summit, an annual gathering organized by a conservative Christian organization.
The event was known for years as Rep. Jeff Duncan’s Faith & Freedom BBQ, a fundraiser for his reelection campaign, held in South Carolina. It created a platform for potential White House candidates, such as then-Vice President Mike Pence, Sens. Ted Cruz, Tim Scott, and Marco Rubio, as well as former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, in a conservative-leaning region.
Only a few weeks after the 2023 event, Duncan’s wife filed for divorce, claiming the congressman had previously cheated on her during their 35-year marriage, had left her, and was having sex with a lobbyist. This upended the BBQ. After his reputation for conservative family values declined in 2023, Duncan decided last year not to run for reelection to an eighth term.
Last year, Biggs, a nurse practitioner and Air National Guard officer, defeated a primary opponent supported by Trump in her first political campaign. Black preacher Mark Burns, who has been with Trump for almost ten years, has previously made two unsuccessful attempts to enter Congress.
Biggs won the district’s general election handily. The district has been controlled by the GOP since it was won in 1994 by Republican Lindsey Graham, who is currently running for his fifth term in the U.S. Senate. Biggs stated six months into her first term that she was certain she wanted to host an event that would unite her district and serve as a platform for prospective GOP presidential contenders want to meet the voters.
According to her, I do want people to understand that I am here to serve this district, which entails being approachable, available, and attentive to our constituents’ concerns. I’m here to serve the district, not just the people who cast ballots for me.
The Biggs event will be somewhat recognizable. Law enforcement and first responders will still be able to purchase tickets for $1 at the event, which is being held at the same location as Duncan’s Barbecue, a civic center in Anderson. Biggs stated that she will be replacing the buffet line of baked beans, bread, and barbecue with a catered, more sit-down supper.
Biggs stated, “I just want my own identity, not that I don’t think the barbecue was great.” I want people to understand that things have changed and that I want to proceed on my own initiative.
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You can contact Kinnard at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP.
