SC House incumbents in York, Lancaster counties hold leads in primary results
Republican incumbents secured victories in some contested South Carolina House primaries across York and Lancaster counties Tuesday night while votes were still being counted in other races.
Top races include a closely watched challenge to incumbent Rep. David Martin in York County and competitive Republican primaries in Lancaster County districts represented by Reps. Mike Neese and Brandon Newton.
In most districts on Tuesday’s ballot, Republicans have enjoyed a significant advantage in November general elections, making the primary one of the most consequential contests of the year.
House District 26
In Fort Mill-based House District 26, incumbent Republican Rep. David Martin leads challenger Elizabeth Enns.
With only early votes reported Tuesday night, Martin led with 51.65% of the vote, compared with 48.35% for Enns.
The race drew attention from York County Republican Party Chairman Scott Anderson who criticized Martin and voiced support for Enns, who campaigned on opposition to the controversial Silfab Solar manufacturing project proposed near Fort Mill.
Martin, who is seeking a second term in Columbia, defended his conservative record throughout the campaign and pointed to legislation involving tax cuts, deregulation, law enforcement and parental rights. He also argued he has been among the Legislature’s most outspoken critics of the Silfab project.
Enns campaigned on lowering taxes, improving roads, fighting the Silfab project, judicial reform and what she described as protecting girls’ spaces.
Democrat Jenny Desch will face the Republican nominee in November.
House District 44
In House District 44, incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Neese beat challenger Tripp McCoy with 51.47% of the vote with all precincts reported.
The district covers much of the Indian Land area in northern Lancaster County, one of the fastest-growing communities in South Carolina.
Neese has represented the district since 2022 and highlighted tax-cut legislation and regulatory reform efforts during the campaign. McCoy, an Indian Land business owner, campaigned on economic opportunity and local engagement.
Democrat Katie Crosby awaits the Republican nominee in November.
House District 45
In House District 45, Republican incumbent Rep. Brandon Newton beat challenger Russell Brazell with 56.23% of the vote with all precincts reported.
The district covers parts of Lancaster County, including Lancaster and surrounding rural communities, as well as portions of neighboring Kershaw County.
Newton, who has represented the district since 2016 and serves as House majority whip, emphasized tax relief, infrastructure investment and school choice during the campaign. Brazell campaigned as a more conservative alternative, criticizing government spending and calling for lower taxes, stronger immigration enforcement and expanded gun rights protections.
Democrat Nicole Ventour will face the Republican nominee in November.
Results roundup
Full legislative primary results from York and Lancaster counties include as of 9:30 p.m.:
House District 26 (Republican) in Fort Mill.
- David Martin — 704 votes (51.65%)
- Elizabeth Enns — 659 votes (48.35%)
House District 44 (Republican) in Indian Land
- Mike Neese — 2,410 votes (51.47%)
- Tripp McCoy — 2,272 votes (48.53%)
House District 45 (Republican) in Lancaster and Kershaw Counties.
- Brandon Newton — 2,301 votes (56.23%)
- Russell Brazell — 1,791 votes (43.77%)
House District 47 (Democratic) in western York County.
- Justin Bennett — 651 votes (58.23%)
- Peter Martinez — 467 votes (41.77%)
House District 49 (Democratic) in Rock Hill.
- John King — 1,701 votes (83.19%)
- Perry Sutton — 344 votes (16.81%)
Election results remain unofficial until certified by state election officials.
This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 8:34 PM.
