"Tim Scott's Presidential Aspirations and Conservative Agenda"

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who recently announced an exploratory committee for president, hosted a two-day private retreat for supporters and donors in his home state, where he defended his mostly positive and Bible-backed campaign strategy. While he has the advantage of outsize name recognition in South Carolina, he will still have to fight for support from donors and voters with another South Carolina powerhouse, former Gov. Nikki Haley, who has already declared her candidacy. Mr. Scott's message could resonate with conservative evangelical Christians, but he will face an uphill battle to the Republican nomination, as former President Donald J. Trump maintains a hold on a majority of the party's base, with Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida capturing much of the rest.