CHARLESTON, S.C. — State Sen. Josh Kimbrell of Spartanburg County emerged as a focal point at Tuesday’s second South Carolina Republican gubernatorial debate after staking out a position on a proposed all-out abortion ban that set him apart from both the bill’s lone supporter and its two promised vetoes on stage at the College of Charleston.
The debate came on the same day the Senate Medical Affairs Committee advanced a bill that would ban abortions from the moment of conception, with no exceptions for rape, incest, or a diagnosed fatal fetal anomaly. Under the bill, authored by Sen. Richard Cash, abortions would be permitted only in a medical emergency. Women who obtain or attempt an abortion could face up to two years in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Kimbrell, who had voted in committee to advance the bill earlier that same morning, told the debate audience the committee action was a procedural move meant to allow debate rather than a signal of support at the debate. He said he personally believes life begins at conception but, as a Christian, sees the faith as carrying two messages — justice and mercy — and argued a governor should not sign a law that would put a frightened woman in jail. Kimbrell noted he was a co-sponsor of both of South Carolina’s earlier six-week abortion bans.
Only U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman of Rock Hill said outright that he would sign the bill if it reached his desk as governor, citing his 17 grandchildren and calling the issue an emotional one. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson both said they would veto the measure. Evette said the bill had gone too far and pointed to her endorsement from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. Wilson described himself as unapologetically pro-life but said compassion for both the unborn and the mother requires common sense in drafting law. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace said her position aligns with President Donald Trump’s — supporting exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother — while Isle of Palms businessman Rom Reddy called for putting the question directly to voters in a referendum.
The bill is unlikely to receive a floor vote this session. Sen. Tom Davis, the only committee Republican to vote no, has pledged to block it, and the legislative session ends next month. Observers expect a similar attempt in 2027. The third Republican gubernatorial debate is scheduled for May 26 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, and the polling threshold for participation will rise to five percent, potentially excluding Kimbrell if public surveys do not show movement. SC GOP Chairman Drew McKissick told reporters a lot can change in four weeks. Kimbrell said recent debates have produced momentum he does not believe current polls reflect.
The June 9 primary will determine which Republican advances to face the Democratic nominee in a race to succeed term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster. Spartanburg County’s role in this primary season extends beyond Kimbrell’s candidacy: Wofford College will host the final GOP debate, placing the Upstate at the center of the closing argument each candidate brings before primary voters cast ballots.
