The story reflects an ongoing legal and political dispute over the state's primary structure as of mid-July 2026.

South Carolina currently uses an open primary, allowing any registered voter to participate in either party's primary regardless of affiliation.

The South Carolina Republican Party has filed suit against the State Election Commission, aiming to push the state toward a closed primary system.

A prominent commentator explains how moving to a closed primary in South Carolina could change voter participation, party dynamics, and the overall electoral process.

Brent Nelsen, a Furman University politics professor, outlined what a closed primary could mean in practice during an interview with WSPA 7News.