An effort to consider Closed Primaries in S.C. elections was adjourned in an adhoc committee meeting yesterday by attorney S.C. Representative Justin T. Bamberg, who is a Democrat. Why is a Democrat serving in such a key judiciary committee since South Carolina has a Republican Super Majority?
Understanding Closed Primaries and Their Impact
No discussions nor debate were allowed on the closed primaries proposal by those on the committe.
S.C. Republican C.J. Westfall described the events this way on X.
Frustrating scenes from yesterday’s House Judiciary Tort Reform Ad Hoc Committee meeting on March 3, 2026, at 3:00 pm. H.5183 — Rep. Mike Burns’ clean closed primaries bill — was the real compromise we’ve been waiting for.
It combines the best of H.3310 and H.3643, including the key language supporters of H.3643 wanted, to finally implement partisan voter registration, close our primaries to outsiders, without candidate qualifications that empowers insiders. It was added to the agenda at around 2:25 pm — less than an hour before the meeting started.
Despite the short notice, many patriots contacted committee members to voice strong support. After handling the first two bills (4544 and 4670), discussion wrapped up… and the moment arrived for H.5183. Right then, Rep. Justin Bamberg moved to adjourn — the motion passed immediately — and the meeting ended without any debate or vote on closed primaries.
You can see the confusion in the video: Rep. Kathy Landing asking “What happened to our agenda item?” before the feed cuts off. No discussion. No consideration. Just adjournment. House Judiciary Chairman Weston Newton wrote in the Post and Courier last month: “This debate alone deserves careful thought, not rushed conclusions.” But how can we have careful thought when the chairman isn’t allowing ANY debate? said Westfall.
Bills get buried without a hearing.
House Judiciary Committee leader, Weston J. Newton, from Beaufort, S.C. also claimed: “Recently, Republican voters in South Carolina were asked a clear and neutral question explaining both systems and the tradeoffs involved. Nearly two-thirds — 64 percent — said they want to keep our current open primary system.
” Fewer than one-third supported changing the law,” Newton fictitiously claimed. What is that “neutral” question he’s referencing?
SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick has addressed the issue directly this week.
The real voice of Republican voters came through our party’s own ballot questions in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 — where an average of 82% supported partisan voter registration and closed primaries, with over 1.5 million votes cast in favor.
Grassroots Republicans have spoken loud and clear, multiple times, in our primaries. This isn’t about what a selective poll from Rep. Newton says — it’s about freedom of association for political parties, keeping Democrats out of our nominee selection, and letting Republicans choose Republicans. South Carolina Republicans want this fixed. Our state party platform demands it. Resolutions have passed. Voters have voted overwhelmingly yes.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
