Graham Allen, the Blaze TV celebrity host who regularly appears on cable news, recently announced his run for the U.S. House in South Carolina’s 7th District, which covers Myrtle Beach, Florence, and the surrounding area during an appearance on Fox News. However, a new report from local media reveals that Allen does not live in the district, has never lived in the district, and has no plans to move to the district.
MyrtleBeachSC News reveals that “While Allen is not telling his 2.4 million followers he currently lives in Anderson, S.C., sources with his campaign state he has no intentions of ever moving into the district. Allen attends New Spring Church in Anderson, S.C.” The news website adds, “His 2021 Federal Filing… lists him at 824 South Milledge Ave, Suite 101, Athens GA 30605”.
According to MyrtleBeachSC News, this is completely legal, as federal law only requires Allen to live within the state – not within the district in which his election will be held. “We reached out to Chris Whitmire, S.C. Information Director of the State Election Commission,” explains the publication. “Whitmire states that Federal Law supersedes state law. State law requires a candidate must live in his district. Federal Law says the candidate must be 25 and live in the state. Allen is not required to live in District 7. He never has. He never will and it is 100% legal.”
They add, “Allen has a Facebook following of 2.4 million fans. His program is regularly featured on BLAZE TV. His fans are largely made up from a national following. What does he know about the residents of Chesterfield, Dillon, Georgetown, Horry, Marlboro, Darlington, and Marion? Residents say they have never met him personally and he has never worked in any capacity in their towns or counties.”
The seat is currently held by Rep. Tom Rice, a Republican who voted to impeach President Donald Trump in the 45th President’s second impeachment trial, and was censured by the South Carolina Republican Party as a result. More recently, Rice declared his support for a commission to investigate the civil unrest at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. At present, at least 16 Republicans have declared their intention to run for the nomination, with more expected in the coming days. President Trump has yet to make an endorsement in the race.
