Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be the main speaker at a major Republican gathering in South Carolina, a state known for its early influence in picking GOP presidential candidates. This event, called the Salute to Liberty, will be held on August 18 in Anderson and is expected to draw around 2,000 party supporters.
Rep. Sheri Biggs of South Carolina’s 3rd District, who is hosting the event, said Sanders is a strong fit for the local community. Biggs praised the governor for representing the district’s values, describing her as “down-to-earth, hardworking, and a person who loves the Lord and supports conservative principles.”
South Carolina has long been a crucial state for Republican presidential hopefuls. For Sanders, who once served as former President Donald Trump’s press secretary, this event offers a chance to connect with many active GOP members. Trump remains very popular in the state, and Sanders’ ties to him add to her appeal among voters.
Sanders has built strong ties to South Carolina over the years. Her father, Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and now U.S. ambassador to Israel, ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2008 and campaigned in the state. Sanders herself has recently visited other early primary states, including Iowa, where she spoke at the Family Leadership Summit, a gathering for conservative Christians.
The Salute to Liberty replaces the Faith & Freedom BBQ, a longtime event hosted by Rep. Jeff Duncan. Duncan’s barbecue was known for drawing many future presidential hopefuls, such as then-Vice President Mike Pence, Senators Ted Cruz, Tim Scott, Marco Rubio, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
However, Duncan’s event ended after personal scandals surfaced in 2023. His wife filed for divorce, accusing him of infidelity and inappropriate relationships. Following the scandal, Duncan chose not to run for reelection.
Rep. Sheri Biggs, a nurse practitioner and Air National Guard officer, won the GOP primary last year against a candidate backed by Trump. She then easily won the general election in a district long held by Republicans, including Lindsey Graham, who has represented the area since 1994 and is currently seeking his fifth Senate term.
Early in her term, Biggs aimed to create her own signature event that would unify the district and serve as a platform for presidential candidates to engage with voters. The Salute to Liberty will be held at the same Anderson venue as Duncan’s barbecue, keeping some traditions alive. Tickets will remain affordable, with special pricing for law enforcement and first responders.
Biggs plans some changes to the event’s format. Unlike the buffet-style barbecue of past years, she intends to offer a more formal, catered sit-down dinner. “I want my own identity for this event,” Biggs said. “It’s a new ballgame, and I want to move forward on my own accord.”
The event is expected to strengthen ties within the local GOP and provide Sanders with a valuable platform as she remains a potential contender in the 2028 presidential race. Her visit underscores South Carolina’s ongoing role as a key state for Republican politics and presidential ambitions.
