ANDERSON — This year, like any other, a thousand Republicans poured into the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center for a summer dinner billed as one of the largest conservative gatherings in the state.

But this time, it’s more neighbors than would-be presidents or governors. Most 2026 candidates down the ballot headed to Myrtle Beach Aug. 18 instead to make their case before some of the state’s reddest voters.

First-year congresswoman Sheri Biggs, R-Anderson, held her first Salute to Liberty dinner to continue a tradition that began under her predecessor, former 3rd District congressman Jeff Duncan. But it was U.S. Rep. Russell Fry in Myrtle Beach who drew the bevvy of 2026 gubernatorial candidates and donors on the coast that same night.

There, Republican activists loaded up their

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