GOP hopefuls in SC’s new 7th District hold forum

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — The Republican candidates in South Carolina’s new 7th congressional district are getting a chance to appeal for votes at a forum in Myrtle Beach.

Eight candidates seeking the GOP nomination in the newly created district reaching from the state’s northeast coast into the Pee Dee. Two candidates withdrew this month.

Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation are leading the forum. Each candidate gets a two-minute opening statement and then gets to answer questions from the delegation for eight minutes.

It’s a GOP event, so the four Democrats seeking the seat have not been invited.

Because of population growth reflected in the recent census, the state earned a seventh House seat in Congress.