Wes Climer will resign on Election Day, creating contest for York County seat
South Carolina state Sen. Wes Climer submitted his resignation Monday, clearing the way for voters to elect his successor the on the same day he competes for a seat in Congress
Climer, the Republican nominee for South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, said the timing avoids the need for a separate special general election and ensures York County maintains representation in the Senate. The resignation will take effect Nov. 3, the same day voters will choose between Climer and Democrat Mallory Dittmer in the race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman.
By timing his departure to coincide with the existing general election, Climer’s Senate seat can be filled through the regular process rather than a separate special process. In a letter to Senate President Thomas Alexander, Climer said the move would avoid the cost and complexity of an additional election.
The winner will serve the remainder of Climer’s term, which expires in 2028.
“Serving the people of York County in the Senate has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Climer wrote in a Facebook post announcing the decision. “By resigning effective November 3rd, York County will be able to elect my successor during the regular General Election instead of forcing taxpayers to pay for a costly special election.”
A writ of election filed Monday calls for candidates to begin filing for the vacant Senate District 15 seat on July 10, with filing closing July 18. A primary election is scheduled for Sept. 1, followed by a runoff Sept. 15, if necessary. The nominees will then advance to the Nov. 3 general election, where voters will choose Climer’s replacement.
Senate District 15 covers much of York County, including Rock Hill and surrounding communities. Climer has represented the district since 2017 and currently serves on several Senate committees, including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Labor, Commerce and Industry, Legislative Oversight and Transportation.
Climer is the favorite for the 5th District seat, which Norman announced earlier this year he would leave to pursue a run for governor. Climer faced no opponent in the Republican primary. The 5th District has long leaned Republican, and Norman won reelection in 2024 by a comfortable margin.
If elected to Congress, Climer said his priorities would remain unchanged.
“Whether in Columbia or in Washington, my mission will remain the same: fight for taxpayers, defend our freedoms, and put the interests of the people first,” he wrote. “Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me.”
This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 11:53 AM.
