Governor Huckabee Sanders Headlines "Salute to Liberty" in South Carolina

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is set to headline the "Salute to Liberty" event in Anderson, South Carolina, on August 18, 2025. This gathering, organized by Representative Sheri Biggs of South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District, marks a rebranding of the longstanding Faith & Freedom BBQ, traditionally a significant platform for Republican figures in the state.

The "Salute to Liberty" event is expected to draw approximately 2,000 party activists. Historically, this event has attracted GOP presidential hopefuls, including then-Vice President Mike Pence, Senators Ted Cruz, Tim Scott, Marco Rubio, and former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. The transition from the Faith & Freedom BBQ to "Salute to Liberty" symbolizes a new era of GOP leadership within South Carolina's 3rd District.

Governor Sanders, a former press secretary for President Donald Trump, has longstanding ties to South Carolina through her father, former Arkansas Governor and current U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee's 2008 GOP nomination campaign. Her appearance at this event underscores her potential 2028 presidential aspirations and provides an opportunity to engage with South Carolina's conservative base.

Representative Sheri Biggs, a nurse practitioner and Air National Guard officer, won the election for South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District in 2024. She secured her position by defeating Mark Burns, a Black pastor endorsed by Donald Trump, in the Republican primary. Biggs aims to use the "Salute to Liberty" event to connect with constituents and establish her own political identity.

The event will be held at the civic center in Anderson, South Carolina, and will feature a sit-down dinner, replacing the traditional barbecue. This change symbolizes a move to a new era of GOP leadership in the district.

South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District is a predominantly Republican area, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of R+21, making it the most Republican district in the state. The district includes all of Abbeville, Anderson, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, and Saluda counties, as well as portions of Greenville and Newberry counties. The economy is largely driven by manufacturing centers in Anderson and Greenwood, and it is home to Clemson University, the state's second-largest by enrollment.

The "Salute to Liberty" event provides a platform for Republican figures to engage with a significant number of party activists in an early-voting state. For Sanders, this appearance offers an opportunity to strengthen her national profile and test the political waters ahead of the 2028 presidential race. For Biggs, hosting the event allows her to solidify her standing within the district and the broader Republican Party.

The weather in Anderson, South Carolina, on August 18, 2025, is expected to be mostly cloudy and humid, with a high of 90°F (32°C) and a low of 72°F (22°C).

The "Salute to Liberty" event signifies a significant platform for emerging GOP leaders and reflects the evolving landscape of Republican leadership in South Carolina's 3rd District.