GOP statewide candidates to appear at event Thursday

Several Republican candidates for statewide office are scheduled to appear at a barbecue hosted by the Darlington County Republican Party at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Lawton Park.

Among the candidates expected to attend are Councilman Ken Ard, candidate for lieutenant governor; Rep. Tim Scott, candidate for lieutenant governor; Dr. Brent Nelson, candidate for state superintendent of education; Kelly Payne, candidate for state superintendent of education; and J. Michael “Mick” Mulvaney, candidate for the Fifth District congressional seat. A representative from Attorney General Henry McMaster’s campaign will also attend. McMaster is a candidate for governor.

State Rep. Jay Lucas, chairman of the Darlington County Republican Party, and other local party officials will bring updates on new developments in the party.

The event is free and open to the public.