Sarah Huckabee Sanders Headlines Key South Carolina GOP Event/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will headline South Carolina’s “Salute to Liberty” GOP event on August 18. Hosted by Rep. Sheri Biggs, the gathering replaces Jeff Duncan’s long-running Faith & Freedom BBQ. Sanders, a rising Republican star, is seen as a future 2028 presidential contender.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders in South Carolina – Quick Looks
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders to headline GOP event “Salute to Liberty”
- Event replaces Jeff Duncan’s former Faith & Freedom BBQ
- Set for August 18 at the Anderson Civic Center
- Hosted by first-term Rep. Sheri Biggs of SC’s 3rd District
- Biggs says Sanders reflects values of district’s conservative voters
- Sanders’ father, Mike Huckabee, ran in SC’s 2008 GOP primary
- Event attracts up to 2,000 Republican activists annually
- Marks Sanders’ continued visibility in early-primary states
- Event highlights Biggs’ rising profile within the GOP
Deep Look: Sarah Huckabee Sanders to Headline South Carolina’s Salute to Liberty GOP Event
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will serve as the featured speaker at the upcoming “Salute to Liberty” event in Anderson, South Carolina, on August 18. The event is considered one of the most influential Republican gatherings in the state, replacing the long-standing Faith & Freedom BBQ previously hosted by Rep. Jeff Duncan.
The event is now spearheaded by Rep. Sheri Biggs, a freshman congresswoman representing South Carolina’s 3rd District. Speaking to the Associated Press, Biggs expressed admiration for Sanders, calling her a representative of the district’s conservative, faith-oriented values.
“She reflects the hardworking, God-fearing families who believe in peace and preserving conservative ideals,” Biggs said.
South Carolina’s GOP Legacy
South Carolina has long been considered a critical early battleground in the Republican presidential primary process. The state’s events draw significant attention from national contenders looking to build grassroots momentum and connect with conservative voters.
Sanders, a former White House press secretary under President Donald Trump, has maintained strong ties in the state for years — beginning during her father Mike Huckabee’s 2008 presidential bid, which brought the Huckabee family to early-primary states including South Carolina. She recently delivered a keynote at the Family Leadership Summit in Iowa, another early-voting state, further fueling speculation about her possible 2028 presidential ambitions.
Though Sanders is not currently seeking federal office, her presence at the Salute to Liberty signals an ongoing effort to raise her national profile within GOP circles.
A Shift from Duncan’s Era
The “Salute to Liberty” replaces Rep. Jeff Duncan’s Faith & Freedom BBQ, which had become a cornerstone Republican event for more than a decade. However, Duncan’s reputation was tarnished in 2023 after his wife publicly filed for divorce, alleging infidelity and an affair with a lobbyist. Duncan chose not to seek reelection this cycle, leaving a vacuum that Biggs now aims to fill with her rebranded event.
Held at the same Anderson Civic Center, Biggs’ gathering will keep some familiar elements — including $1 tickets for law enforcement and first responders — but will also feature notable changes. Rather than the traditional buffet of barbecue and beans, the meal will be a catered sit-down dinner, reflecting Biggs’ intent to give the event her own distinctive identity.
Biggs’ Emerging Role in GOP Leadership
Elected after defeating a Trump-endorsed candidate in the GOP primary, Biggs — a nurse practitioner and Air National Guard officer — easily secured her seat in the general election. In just six months in office, she has positioned herself as a rising Republican figure by hosting this high-profile event and attracting national speakers like Sanders.
“My goal is to serve all constituents in the 3rd District,” Biggs said. “That means being present, listening to their needs, and creating opportunities like this where people can engage with conservative leaders and future presidential hopefuls.”
By establishing “Salute to Liberty” as an annual tradition, Biggs hopes to create a new platform for national Republican voices to interact with South Carolina’s politically active base.
Event Details
The August 18 gathering is expected to draw approximately 2,000 attendees, including grassroots activists, local officials, and potential 2028 contenders. For Sanders, it offers another stage to speak to a key Republican demographic and further solidify her image as a national conservative leader.
For South Carolina’s GOP base, it’s both a familiar and refreshed tradition — one that blends deep-rooted party values with the evolving leadership of a new generation.
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