COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina House commenced its new session on Tuesday, witnessing an unsuccessful and unlikely challenge to the Speaker, signaling potential conflicts among Republican factions over the definition of true conservatism.

House Speaker Murrell Smith garnered reelection for a second two-year term with a vote tally of 102-17, as the Republican Freedom Caucus endeavored to demonstrate its influence within the party.

This internal struggle has been simmering throughout the past two years, with the Freedom Caucus accusing mainstream Republicans of not being conservative enough. They have pointed to issues such as providing tax breaks to corporations, their inability to implement a comprehensive abortion ban, and permitting Democrats—who control only 35 of the 124 House seats—to chair some subcommittees.

Mainstream Republicans have countered, suggesting that members of the Freedom Caucus prioritize social media clout and defeating their fellow Republicans in primaries over effective governance. Some members of the larger GOP faction have even ridiculed caucus members online. A significant concern for the Freedom Caucus is their exclusion from crucial House committees, like the Ways and Means Committee responsible for budgetary matters.

The 17 votes cast for Republican Representative Bill Chumley of Spartanburg County reflect the level of support that the Freedom Caucus garnered previously. However, the very decision to challenge Smith, along with the caucus holding a press conference outlining their ambitions on the same day that the Republican leadership convened to set the agenda, suggests that the caucus intends to assert its position and not simply yield.

“We must have conservative leadership, bold leadership — not harmful — that is willing to collaborate with all parties and be fair,” remarked caucus leader, Rep. Jordan Pace of Goose Creek.

In his post-election address, Smith refrained from addressing the challenge and instead emphasized the need for continued tax reductions and economic development to fuel South Carolina’s quick growth. He urged for mutual respect and collaboration among Democrats and Republicans to enhance the state’s welfare.

“It is our responsibility to demonstrate to the people of South Carolina that their government functions in their best interest — that we can have differences without being disagreeable,” Smith highlighted.

The response from mainstream Republicans was articulated by House Speaker Pro Tem Tommy Pope of York, who condemned the divisive politics and misinformation that characterize the caucus. Pope stressed the necessity of halting the atmosphere of distrust to accomplish vital legislative work.

“If we have disagreements, they should be rooted in truth,” Pope stated.

The session commenced with the Senate’s longest-serving member, Democratic Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, briefly presiding over the gathering until the Speaker’s election was finalized. Cobb-Hunter reflected on her 32 years of experience, asserting that a representative’s achievements often align with their motivations for running for office. She posed questions to the assembly about their intentions: whether they were seeking a noteworthy resume, aimed to effect change, or simply wished to serve the populace.

“Be yourself. Remember, there is only one person in this chamber who can cast a vote on your behalf, and that’s you,” Cobb-Hunter advised.

A notable member of the Freedom Caucus attended the organizational session on Tuesday. Rep. R.J. May of Lexington mostly lingered by an exit door intended for members and staff and did not engage much with his fellow lawmakers on the House floor.

In October, federal prosecutors indicated that they had seized numerous electronic devices from May and expected to file a criminal indictment within three months. Additionally, court documents filed did not offer more specifics but requested an extended hold on the devices.

Freedom Caucus members expressed concern about not having heard from May in months. On Tuesday, May chose not to discuss the details of his legal issues but reminded reporters that he had been reelected without opposition from Democrats.

“I’ve been elected to fulfill my duty, and I will continue to do that as one of the most conservative members of the House,” May declared.