South-Carolina
Effort to study Hate Crime Law fails in South Carolina Senate
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina will remain one of the few states without a hate crime law after a proposal to study such legislation failed in the state Senate, despite renewed attention to rising hate crime reports and years of repeated attempts in the General Assembly.
The House has passed hate crime legislation multiple times over the past decade, but each effort has stalled in the Senate. This year, Democratic Sen. Deon Tedder of Charleston pursued a narrower approach, proposing the creation of a study committee to examine what a hate crime law could look like in South Carolina rather than advancing a bill outright.
Tedder said the absence of a state law sends a troubling message.
“When there is no state law that says hate-motivated crimes matter, that message of institutional indifference is heard loud and clear,” Tedder said.
Tedder cited recent FBI crime data showing a sharp increase in reported hate crimes across the state.
“In 2023, hate crimes in South Carolina rose nearly 100%. From a national FBI crime data report, it rose from 66 reported offenses in 2022 to 115 reported in 2023,” Tedder said.
The proposal failed to advance. Still, five Republican senators voted in favor of the study committee, a notable shift in a chamber that has consistently blocked hate crime legislation.
As a result, South Carolina will continue to stand among a small number of states without a hate crime law. And with the 2026 gubernatorial race underway, significant change appears unlikely.
At a recent Republican gubernatorial debate, most candidates publicly opposed passing a hate crime law.
Republican Sen. Josh Kimbrell of Spartanburg said such legislation could infringe on religious liberty.
“I will never pass a bill that’s going to restrict religious liberty,” Kimbrell said.
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., was more direct.
“Should we pass a hate crimes law? Absolutely not,” Norman said.
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said she also opposes such legislation, noting she and Gov. Henry McMaster have discussed the issue for years.
“I would not support a hate crime bill,” Evette said.
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., questioned the concept itself.
“There is no such thing as a hate crime, because every crime is a hate crime,” Mace said.
Attorney General Alan Wilson echoed similar concerns, saying he would oppose any bill he believes limits constitutional rights.
“As governor, I will never support a bill that criminalizes your free speech,” Wilson said.
Lowcountry businessman Rom Reddy criticized political leaders broadly, arguing the issue is fueled by division.
“All this division and hate is created by the political class because that’s what gives them all the power they have,” Reddy said.
With the legislative session nearing its end and the Senate showing little appetite for revisiting the issue, South Carolina is unlikely to adopt a hate crime law this year.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 30, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from May 30 drawing
01-27-35-44-52, Powerball: 12, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from May 30 drawing
Midday: 1-3-8, FB: 9
Evening: 7-1-4, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from May 30 drawing
Midday: 7-1-9-2, FB: 9
Evening: 1-2-3-3, FB: 4
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 30 drawing
Midday: 09
Evening: 04
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from May 30 drawing
07-14-15-18-29
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from May 30 drawing
04-27-65-66-69, Powerball: 04
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Hundreds of South Carolina Democrats gathered at the State Fairgrounds on Saturday for the party’s annual convention, rallying supporters, hearing from candidates and celebrating what they called a major political win.
The event brought together candidates, elected officials, party activists and voters ahead of what many hope will be a competitive election cycle.
Party leaders and attendees praised the recent failure of a Republican-led redistricting proposal in the state Senate, calling it a victory for fair representation.
“I’m happy that the people responded with clear heads. I’m happy that we will have a fair and free election, and we’re maintaining our democracy in the state. I’m from Cluburn’s District. I’m from Colleton County South Carolina so this is personal to me,” said DeShawn Blanding, a candidate for South Carolina commissioner of agriculture.
Dr. Annie Andrews, a candidate for U.S. Senate, said, “That was a win for democracy people like to say it was a win for Democrats. Yes it was but it was a win for democracy. South Carolina has 40% Democrats. We deserve some representation in our congressional delegation.”
Mayra Rivera-Vázquez, a candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, said the outcome showed statewide resolve. “That’s the power of the low country and the power of all the state, showing that we are no one to be directed from someone in Washington, that we are the ones that were gonna control our destiny here,” she said.
But as party members celebrated, a dispute between gubernatorial candidates created tension inside the convention.
Gubernatorial candidate Mullins McLeod announced he would not share the stage with his fellow Democratic candidates during the event.
“I just wanted to go on the record and tell you why I was not gonna share the stage with three people whose platforms would violate will of the people in South Carolina,” McLeod said.
McLeod also accused fellow Democrat Jermaine Johnson of siding with Republicans. “Jermaine Johnson is getting ready to tell all these people how he is for them, but he and I both know that he has voted with the Republican establishment more than 90% of the time,” he said.
Johnson, a Democratic state representative for District 52, responded to McLeod’s allegations and his decision not to appear onstage with the other candidates.
Hopefully he can get the help that he needs. We’re watching a mental health crisis in front of our eyes and I’m just praying for him,” Johnson said.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 29, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 29 drawing
19-24-47-59-65, Mega Ball: 07
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from May 29 drawing
Midday: 6-1-2, FB: 0
Evening: 7-4-7, FB: 8
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from May 29 drawing
Midday: 5-0-8-1, FB: 0
Evening: 8-1-6-9, FB: 8
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 29 drawing
Midday: 09
Evening: 09
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from May 29 drawing
04-23-26-38-39
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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