Welcome to the South Carolina Chapter
The South Carolina State Chapter of the RINO Removal Project, led by Claude Wheeler Jr., is a grassroots movement dedicated to purging Republicans In Name Only (RINOs) from the South Carolina Republican Party (SCGOP). The Palmetto State is a bedrock of conservative values, yet RINOs betray this legacy by aligning with the D.C. establishment and liberal agendas, undermining the America First movement. Our mission is to expose these politicians, rally South Carolina patriots, and elect true conservative warriors who champion limited government, secure borders, and traditional values. Join us to restore the SCGOP as a fortress of liberty under the RRP’s bold leadership!
The RINO Problem in South Carolina: A Timeline of Betrayal
South Carolina’s conservative voters demand unwavering loyalty to the America First agenda, but RINOs in Congress and the state legislature have repeatedly defied the SCGOP platform. Below is a timeline of key events highlighting the RINO crisis and the grassroots fight to reclaim the SCGOP:
- 2021: Graham’s Impeachment Vote Ignites Backlash
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham voted to convict President Trump in the 2021 impeachment trial, one of seven Republicans to do so. The SCGOP censured him, with grassroots leaders condemning his betrayal of conservative principles. Graham’s 48% RINOScorus score for the and opposition to Trump’s Health and Human Services nominee Robert Kennedy Jr. fueled RINO accusations, as noted in a January 2025 Townhall article. - 2024: State House RINOs Back Bipartisan Bills
State Reps. Micah Caskey and Todd Rutherford supported bipartisan education and coastal restoration bills, drawing ire from conservative districts in Richland and Charleston Counties. - April 2025: RRP Targets South Carolina in State Surveillance Program
Under Lauren’s leadership (Lauren@rinoremovalproject.org), RRP included South Carolina in its State Surveillance Program, targeting Graham with RINOScorus™ score of 48, respectively. The program mobilized local GOP districts to support primary challengers, as reported in a May 2025 Townhall article. - June 2025: GatorPAC Partnership Boosts South Carolina Efforts
On June 12, 2025, RRP and GatorPAC, led by Col. Rob Manes, announced a strategic partnership via MENAFN. The collaboration focuses on educating voters and supporting America First candidates through X Spaces town halls and the America First Academy, enhancing voter awareness and backing key primary challengers. - Ongoing: Local GOP Districts Demand Accountability
GOP districts in Spartanburg and Horry Counties, are pushing to censure state legislators like Rep. Bill Sandifer for supporting bipartisan energy bills tied to federal funds. These efforts aim to bar RINOs from SCGOP endorsements and funding, mirroring Alaska’s District 29 sanctions, as noted in a May 2025 Intellectual Conservative article.
Why RINOs Are a Problem in South Carolina
South Carolina’s RINOs exploit the state’s conservative base while advancing moderate policies, obstructing the America First agenda. Here’s why they’re a threat and what’s at stake:
- Betrayal of Voter Trust
RINOs like Graham campaign as conservatives but vote with Democrats on issues like impeachment, infrastructure, and gun control, eroding trust in the SCGOP. Graham’s opposition to Trump’s nominees and Mace’s media-driven moderation deceive voters, as Claude Wheeler Jr. emphasized in his June 2025 X post. - Open Primaries Protect RINOs
South Carolina’s open primary system allows Democrats to vote in GOP primaries, boosting moderate RINOs. RRP’s PrimaryGuard initiative, led by RRP National, seeks closed primaries to ensure conservative candidates prevail, as highlighted in a May 2025 Townhall article. - Bipartisan Compromises Weaken Conservative Priorities
RINOs supporting bipartisan bills, like education or energy projects, prioritize corporate and globalist interests over fiscal conservatism and Second Amendment rights. These compromises block bold reforms, as criticized in RRP’s voter guides. - National Impact of South Carolina RINOs
As a conservative stronghold, South Carolina’s RINOs like Graham weaken the America First agenda in Washington, D.C. His impeachment vote and opposition to Trump’s picks embolden the establishment, as noted in a January 2025 WorldNetDaily report. - Lack of Accountability Emboldens RINOs
Weak SCGOP sanctions, like the unenforced 2021 censure of Graham, signal to RINOs they can defy the base without consequences. Wheeler’s leadership aims to enforce accountability through censures and primary challenges, per a June 2025 X post.
The RINO Rogues’ Gallery: South Carolina’s Top Targets
Here are the key RINOs undermining South Carolina’s conservative agenda and why they must be removed:
- Sen. Lindsey Graham (Election 2026)
Graham’s 48% RINOScorus score, 2021 impeachment vote, and opposition to Trump’s nominees like Robert Kennedy Jr. make him a top RINO target. With a low RINOScorus™ score, he will face a strong 2026 primary challenge. RRP is rallying Charleston and Greenville districts to support a conservative challenger. - Rep. Micah Caskey (Election 2026)
Caskey’s support for bipartisan education bills and moderate stances on gun rights drew censure threats from Richland County GOP districts. His 52% RINOScorus™ score marks him as a state-level RINO, with RRP seeking a conservative challenger. - Rep. Bill Sandifer (Election 2026)
Sandifer’s backing of bipartisan energy bills tied to federal funds sparked outrage in Oconee County making him a target for RRP-led censure efforts.
The 2026 Elections: A Battle for South Carolina’s Soul
The 2026 elections, including Graham’s Senate race and key House contests, are a critical opportunity to oust RINOs and install America First leaders.