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The debate opened on June 3
The governor’s race turned toward affordability on June 3, when three Democratic candidates met during an hourlong forum hosted by South Carolina Educational Television before the June 9 primary.
State Representative Jermaine Johnson, attorney Mullins McLeod, and businessman Billy Webster framed household costs differently, giving voters clear contrasts before ballots were counted in the Democratic primary contest.
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Candidates split on first steps
All three candidates agreed that residents feel pressure from housing, insurance, wages, and care costs, but they split over which issue deserved the first policy push under new leadership.
That divide shaped the forum because any Democratic governor would need public support, legislative votes, and clear priorities to move affordability proposals through the State House next term.
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Wage policy drew early contrast
McLeod and Johnson backed a livable minimum wage, arguing South Carolina should move beyond the federal rate that has remained $7.25 since 2009 without its own state standard…