SC Legislative Update

By Ben Homeyer

As you all know, South Carolina recently held their primary elections.  There was a lot of movement with seven incumbents losing and a runoff between two other incumbents drawn into the same district.  What this means with retirements and losses at least 22 new house members will be in place for next session.  Four new committee chairs will be put in place with Ways and Means, Agriculture, Regulations and now Education and Public Works.  The Cezar Mcknight, Roger Kirby race currently has Kirby up by four votes but will go to a runoff because neither got over 50%.  The following members lost primaries yesterday.

 

  • Rep. Rita Allison (R- Spartanburg) – EPW Chair
  • Rep. Lin Bennett (R-Charleston) – EPW 1st vice Chair
  • Rep. Wendy Brawley (D-Richland) – 3M
  • Rep. West Cox (R-Spartanburg) – Judiciary
  • Rep. Vic Dabney (R-Kershaw) – 3M
  • Rep. Rick Martin (R-Newberry) – Was not assigned to committee
  • Rep. Brian White (R-Anderson) – LCI

In Federal races Russell Fry defeated Tom Rice in the 7th Congressional District.  All the other races saw the incumbent win their primary or in some cases win outright as they don’t face General opposition.

 

In Statewide races Governor McMaster cruised to victory and will face Joe Cunningham in the fall.  The Education Superintendent race will have a runoff on both the Republican and Democrat sides.  All other incuments running for statewide races won.

 

Please let me know of any questions or would like to discuss more in depth .