SC GOP sues to close primaries to registered Republicans

The federal lawsuit argues the state's open primaries violate Republicans' rights under the First Amendment and 14th Amendment.

By: Skylar Laird

Outlets: South Carolina Daily Gazette

Published: July 8, 2026

Words: 1,121

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Republican Party sued this week to close primary elections after legislation creating a closed system failed to advance at the Statehouse this year.

The party has been pushing for years to require party registration in elections. After hinting about a lawsuit for months, party leaders announced plans for a legal challenge in May but said they wanted to wait to submit court filings until after last month’s statewide …

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