South Carolina’s political landscape shifted on June 9, 2026, as voters across the state cast their ballots in a high-stakes primary election that set the stage for a fiercely contested general election this November. With polls closing at 7 p.m., results poured in for races ranging from governor and U.S. Senate to attorney general and state superintendent of education, reflecting both the state’s political diversity and a growing appetite for change among its electorate.
The evening was marked by a series of dramatic runoffs, surprise endorsements, and a record-setting early voting period that signaled heightened engagement in a year without an incumbent governor on the ballot. According to WBTV, the primary included races for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, attorney general, and numerous local offices, with live coverage tracking every twist and turn as candidates vied for their parties’ nominations. South Carolina’s open primary system allowed voters to participate in the primary of their choice, regardless of party affiliation—a factor that may have contributed to the lively turnout and unpredictable outcomes.
Charleston County Councilmember Jenny Costa Honeycutt and State House Rep. Mark Smith emerged as the top contenders in the crowded GOP primary for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, advancing to a runoff scheduled for June 23. The Associated Press called the race at 11:09 p.m., capping a night of close counts and shifting leads. Meanwhile, on the Democratic side of the SC-01 contest, Nancy Lacore and Mac Deford advanced to a runoff, ensuring that both parties' candidates will face another round of campaigning before the general election lineup is finalized.
Statewide, the race for governor drew particular attention, as the departure of term-limited Republican Gov. Henry McMaster left the field wide open. The Republican primary saw Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson advance to a runoff, with the AP confirming their spots late in the evening. Evette, who brands herself as a “staunch Trump conservative,” campaigned on eliminating the state income tax and aligning with former President Trump’s agenda. Wilson, the state’s longest-serving attorney general and a combat veteran, also leaned heavily into Trump-aligned policies, pledging to end funding for gender-affirming care and support anti-abortion laws.
The race was not without its drama. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, a prominent figure in South Carolina politics, conceded her bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination and threw her support behind Alan Wilson. In her concession, Mace stated, “I endorse Alan Wilson because I believe he’s the best choice to unite our party and move South Carolina forward.” Her endorsement injected new energy into Wilson’s campaign, even as Evette’s supporters rallied behind her conservative credentials and outsider business experience.
On the Democratic side, State Rep. Jermaine Johnson secured the party’s nomination for governor with roughly 55% of the vote, as reported by WCIV. Johnson, who currently represents the state’s 52nd district, campaigned on a platform of ending the state income tax, lowering property taxes, building affordable housing, and improving mental health access. His victory over challengers Mullins McLeod and Billy Webster was decisive, positioning him as the standard-bearer for Democrats in the fall.
Other key statewide races also saw their fields narrowed. In the contest for attorney general, David Stumbo and Stephen Goldfinch advanced to a GOP runoff, while the Democratic primary for superintendent of education ended with Sylvia Wright defeating Lisa Ellis. Wright’s victory, built on broad regional support, was met with a call for party unity from Ellis, who conceded graciously and urged Democrats to rally behind Wright in the general election.
Incumbency proved powerful in some races. Longtime Democratic Rep. James Clyburn easily secured renomination in the 6th Congressional District, continuing his decades-long hold on the seat. On the Senate side, Republican Lindsey Graham clinched his party’s nomination and will face Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic nominee, in what is expected to be a closely watched general election matchup.
Voter turnout was a recurring theme throughout the day and night. According to the Charleston County Board of Elections, 37,783 voters cast ballots by 7 p.m., with more than 26,800 having participated during the early voting period—a record for a South Carolina primary. Berkeley County reported 11,445 ballots cast, including early votes, while Dorchester County’s figures were not immediately available. Election officials attributed the robust turnout to a combination of high-profile races and a record-setting early voting window, which ran from May 26 through June 5.
Many voters cited national and international issues as motivating factors for heading to the polls. Roger Amende, a military veteran, told WCIV, “I’ve been mostly in the military, so I’ve been out and around. This is a new one in my life, actually physically getting to the poll.” Virgetta Green expressed frustration with economic conditions and government leadership, saying, “The higher prices and the war, just the overall corruption I think is going on in administration. I want change.” Tom Kays pointed to foreign policy and fiscal concerns, noting, “The national issues, the war in the Middle East, the financial situation and the national debt—those are my two biggest issues.”
Across party lines, a common refrain was the desire for change and greater cooperation among elected officials. Dr. Mark Owens, a political analyst interviewed by News 4, observed that turnout was “typical for a primary election,” but that the record early voting suggested a “growing sense of urgency among voters on both sides of the aisle.”
South Carolina’s primary process is notable for its open structure, allowing registered voters to choose which party’s primary to participate in regardless of their own party registration. As outlined by WBTV, this system gives voters significant flexibility and can lead to unpredictable outcomes, especially in closely contested races.
For those planning to participate, South Carolina requires a valid photo ID at the polls, with options including a state driver’s license, DMV ID card, voter registration card with photo, federal military ID, or U.S. passport. The deadline to register for the primary was May 10, but registration remains open for the November general election.
Looking ahead, the winners of these primaries and runoffs will face off in the general election set for November 3, 2026. With no incumbent governor and a slate of competitive races up and down the ballot, South Carolina’s political future hangs in the balance—and if Tuesday’s turnout is any indication, voters are ready to make their voices heard.
The 2026 primary results have set the stage for a dynamic general election, with familiar faces and new contenders alike vying for the state’s top offices. As the dust settles from a night of surprises and spirited campaigning, South Carolina’s political story is far from over.