South Carolina Primary Elections Head to Runoffs in Key Races

The Battle for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District

The decision by incumbent U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace to run for governor instead of seeking re-election created a rare open-seat opportunity in the 1st Congressional District, attracting an unprecedented 18 candidates—11 Republicans and seven Democrats. Early results indicate that both parties will proceed to runoffs.

On the Republican side, Charleston County Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt led with approximately 23% of the vote, followed by State Rep. Mark Smith with nearly 19%. Dr. Sam McCown trailed closely at 17%. These candidates cited common priorities such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, economic development, and protecting Lowcountry interests, with Honeycutt specifically highlighting affordability as a top concern.

For the Democrats, retired Navy Adm. Nancy Lacore emerged as the frontrunner with 36.5%, and attorney Mac Deford, a Coast Guard veteran, followed with almost 29%. Both candidates bring military backgrounds to the forefront, signaling a potential focus on experience and public service.

This district, encompassing Beaufort and Berkeley counties and parts of Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Jasper counties, is often considered the closest South Carolina has to a swing district. While traditionally a Republican stronghold, it briefly flipped to Democratic control with Joe Cunningham's victory in 2018 before Nancy Mace reclaimed it for the GOP. Post-2020 redistricting further solidified its Republican lean. The runoffs will be crucial in determining who advances to the general election in this competitive area.

Statewide Races: Gubernatorial and Senate Outlook

Beyond the congressional district, South Carolina's gubernatorial race also saw significant developments. On the Republican ticket, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and State Attorney General Alan Wilson are set for a runoff, reflecting a contest for the party's base. On the Democratic side, State House Rep. Jermaine Johnson successfully secured his party's nomination, advancing to the general election.

In the U.S. Senate primaries, both parties chose their candidates: incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham for the Republicans and Dr. Annie Andrews for the Democrats.

How to Prepare

Voters in South Carolina, particularly within the 1st Congressional District, should stay informed about the upcoming runoff election dates and thoroughly research the remaining candidates. Understanding their stances on key issues like affordability, infrastructure, and public safety will be essential in making informed decisions.

Who This Affects Most

This election significantly impacts all residents of South Carolina, as it determines leadership from the statehouse to Capitol Hill. Those in the 1st Congressional District will directly influence the balance of power in Washington, making this race particularly pertinent to Lowcountry communities.

A runoff election occurs when no candidate in a primary election receives more than 50% of the vote. In South Carolina, if this happens, the top two vote-getters proceed to a second election to determine the party's nominee. This mechanism ensures that the chosen candidate has a majority mandate from their party.

The most prominent runoff is for both the Republican and Democratic nominations in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District. Additionally, the Republican nomination for governor will be decided in a runoff between Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and State Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Do you think these runoff elections will significantly alter the political landscape of South Carolina? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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