South Carolina Runoff Election Set For Tuesday
South Carolina voters head to the polls on Tuesday to select candidates for the November 2026 ballot. High-stakes primary runoffs are drawing intense focus across the Lowcountry region.
Key Highlights
- Voters will decide crucial primary runoff races on June 23, 2026.
- The Republican gubernatorial nomination features a high-profile showdown between the Lieutenant Governor and the Attorney General.
- Both major political parties are narrowing fields for the state’s First Congressional District.
- Polling places across South Carolina will remain open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The Republican primary for governor features Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette against Attorney General Alan Wilson. Evette emphasizes her history governing alongside Governor Henry McMaster, prioritizing economic growth and law enforcement. Wilson highlights his tenure combatting crime since 2011. Both candidates secured endorsements from Donald Trump.
Congressional district race
In the First Congressional District, primary voters will select nominees for both major parties. On the Democratic ticket, retired Navy Rear Admiral Nancy Lacore faces Coast Guard veteran Mac Deford. Lacore centers her platform on national security, while Deford campaigns on health care and affordability.
The Republican ticket features Charleston County Council member Jenny Costa Honeycutt against state legislator Mark Smith. Honeycutt emphasizes fiscal restraint, growth, and public safety. Smith highlights his legislative record and conservative credentials.
Charleston Area League of Women Voters co-president Jeri Cabot noted that the winners will address critical issues impacting the Lowcountry.
Cabot stated that consensus is building around the necessity of addressing infrastructure, housing, data centers, and water systems. She emphasized that federal collaboration is required because states cannot handle these challenges independently, making the choice of Washington representatives highly significant.
Polling sites will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Voters participating in the initial primary must vote within that same party’s runoff. Individuals who did not participate in the first round can cast a ballot in either party’s runoff.
Future Outlook
The outcome of Tuesday’s runoff will finalize the candidate slate for the general election in November 2026. Political analysts suggest these primary results will signal the current ideological trajectory of the state’s electorate, particularly within the competitive First Congressional District. The winners will immediately pivot to high-stakes general election campaigning, where regional infrastructure challenges like transportation, rising housing costs, and modernized utility grids are expected to dominate the debate.
FAQs
What time do polls open and close for the South Carolina runoff?
Polls throughout the state open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Who can participate in the primary runoff election?
Voters who participated in the initial primary must vote in the same party’s runoff election. Citizens who did not vote in the first primary are permitted to vote in either the Democratic or Republican runoff.
Which candidates are running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination?
The runoff features Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette competing against State Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Who is running in the First Congressional District primary runoffs?
The Democratic ballot features Nancy Lacore and Mac Deford. The Republican ballot features Jenny Costa Honeycutt and Mark Smith.
