These are the 5 SC primary races in York, Lancaster counties we’re watching
Tuesday’s primary election features dozens of races across South Carolina, but a handful stand out for their potential impact on York and Lancaster counties.
The primary ballot includes races for governor and attorney general, an open congressional seat previously held by Rock Hill Republican Rep. Ralph Norman and several local contests that could influence debates over growth, development and the future direction of county government. In many cases, especially in heavily Republican districts, Tuesday’s winner will be heavily favored in November. Here are five races The Herald will be watching as results come in Tuesday night.
Governor
South Carolina voters will choose from a crowded field of candidates competing to become the state’s next governor and succeed term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster.
The Republican primary features U.S. Reps. Ralph Norman and Nancy Mace, Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and businessman Rom Reddy. Democrats will choose among state Rep. Jermaine Johnson, attorney Mullins McLeod and businessman Billy Webster.
The campaign has centered on issues familiar to many York and Lancaster County voters, including rapid growth, data centers, economic development incentives and the taxes. Republican candidates have also increasingly traded attacks as the primary has entered its final days, highlighting the stakes in one of South Carolina’s highest-profile races.
The winners of Tuesday’s Democratic and Republican primaries will advance to the November general election. But it’s likely there will be a runoff election between the top two complex, which happens if none receive at least 50% of the vote on Tuesday.
Attorney General
One of South Carolina’s most competitive statewide primaries is unfolding in the race for attorney general, where three Republicans are competing to replace Alan Wilson after his decision to run for governor.
Republican voters will choose among state Sen. Stephen Goldfinch and prosecutors David Pascoe and David Stumbo. Democrat Richard Hricik is running unopposed and has already secured a spot on the November ballot.
The contest has featured sharp exchanges between the candidates over their conservative credentials, criminal prosecutions and visions for the attorney general’s office. With no incumbent in the race and no clear frontrunner emerging, the primary is one of several statewide contests that could require a runoff if no candidate wins a majority of the vote.
The attorney general serves as South Carolina’s top legal officer and oversees criminal appeals, major litigation and statewide prosecutions.
U.S. House District 5
York and Lancaster County voters will help decide who advances in the race to represent South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, a seat being vacated by longtime Congressman Ralph Norman as he pursues a bid for governor.
On the Republican side, state Sen. Wes Climer faces no primary opposition and has already secured a spot on the November ballot. Democratic voters, meanwhile, will choose between York County activist Mallory Dittmer and Andrew Clough, a cargo aircraft loader from Lancaster.
The winner of Tuesday’s Democratic primary will advance to face Climer in November. While the district has become a Republican stronghold in recent years, the race marks the first open contest for the seat since Norman was elected to Congress in 2017.
The district includes all of York and Lancaster counties and stretches across much of northern South Carolina along the North Carolina border.
South Carolina House District 26
One of the most closely watched local races on Tuesday is the Republican primary in House District 26, which covers parts of Fort Mill and northern York County.
Incumbent Rep. David Martin is facing a challenge from Elizabeth Enns in a race that has become a focal point for some local Republicans frustrated with growth and development in the area. York County Republican Party Chairman Scott Anderson previously identified the contest as one of the local races he was watching most closely this election cycle.
The proposed Silfab Solar manufacturing facility near Fort Mill has emerged as a major issue in the race. Enns has campaigned as an outspoken opponent of the project, while Martin has pointed to legislation he introduced related to zoning and industrial development near schools and has argued he has been one of the project’s most vocal critics in Columbia.
The winner will advance to face Democrat Jenny Desch in November.
York County Council District 7
In York County’s District 7, Republican voters will choose between incumbent Debi Cloninger and challenger Scott Couchenour.
The district covers much of Fort Mill and northeastern York County. Growth, development and major industrial projects have become recurring topics in local debates as the area continues to add residents and businesses. The race has also drawn attention because District 7 includes the area around the proposed Silfab Solar manufacturing facility, a project that has generated years of public meetings, lawsuits and political debate in Fort Mill and across York County.
No Democrat filed for the seat, meaning Tuesday’s winner will be heavily favored heading into the November election.
