South Carolina GOP feud grows over hosting major US-Europe conference
WASHINGTON, DC: GOP members' clash over hosting a US-European security conference in 2027 continues to grow as Rep Joe Wilson (R-SC) has mobilized the entire South Carolina House delegation to push back against Sen Roger Wicker’s (R-Miss) opposition to the proposed event.
The 2027 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly is proposed to be held in Charleston, South Carolina.
Joe Wilson urges Mike Johnson to back Charleston's OSCE bid
Joe Wilson has reportedly written a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, asking for his support over the rift between him and Sen Roger Wicker.
The letter, written on Friday, July 10, aims to ensure that Charleston remains the host city and to leverage Johnson’s influence to get Wicker on board.
The letter reportedly has been shared with The Hill.
The development marks the latest escalation in an unusual dispute between Wilson and Wicker over Charleston hosting the 2027 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
Wicker had backed Charleston as the host city in March but reversed his position in recent months.
“We respectfully ask that you work with House and Senate leadership, specifically Senate Helsinki Commission Chairman Roger Wicker, and the appropriate committees to ensure the United States remains the host of the 2027 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Annual Session in Charleston,” the letter from Wilson and other South Carolina House members to Johnson reads.
The letter, sent to Mike Johnson, was signed by the entire South Carolina House delegation, which includes Republican Reps Nancy Mace, Sheri Biggs, William Timmons, Ralph Norman, and Russell Fry, along with Democratic Rep James Clyburn.
Joe Wilson and Roger Wicker clash over staffing decision
The outlet, citing congressional sources, also claimed that Wilson and Wicker had fallen out over staffing decisions on the Helsinki Commission over the past few months.
Wilson has pushed back on Wicker’s stance publicly, posting on the social platform X that Charleston remains the host city for the 2027 OSCE session.
Wilson also shared his side of the story with Semafor, The Post, and Courier in Charleston and the Washington, DC gossip newsletter, Sources Say News.
As we celebrate our Nation’s 250th birthday and the promise of America, I am unfortunately compelled to confront a vicious rumor of the cancellation of the @oscepa annual meeting in Charleston 2027 shared by my colleague. Preparations are well underway with widespread support…
— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) July 4, 2026
In the letter sent to Johnson, Wilson and colleagues raised concern that Wicker is advocating for Belgrade, Serbia, to host the OSCE session in 2027.
Serbia has committed to host the 2028 OSCE session.
“Hosting the Annual Session in the United States would send an unmistakable message of American leadership and reaffirm our nation’s enduring commitment to transatlantic security, democracy, human rights, and the rules-based international order. It also celebrates America as a leader, setting international policy by example,” the letter read.
President @perejoanpons met with the Serbian Delegation to the OSCE PA to discuss recent political developments and the Assembly’s financial situation. He also expressed his appreciation for Serbia’s commitment to host the OSCE PA’s Annual Session in 2028. 🇷🇸 @skupstina_rs pic.twitter.com/oTeOsACtjC
— OSCE PA (@oscepa) June 3, 2026
Wilson told Semafor that Wicker said Charleston lacked “sufficient catering” — a bizarre accusation given the city is a top destination for dining in the South.
