Senate District 20

The district stretches from the Hamptons neighborhoods on the east across Shandon, downtown Columbia, St. Andrews and Irmo, ending in the Dutch Fork area on the northwest.

Who’s running: Incumbent Republican John Courson, Democrat Robert Rikard and Green Party candidate Scott West

What’s at stake: It’s too tempting for Democrats to pass on a challenge to Courson, the new Senate leader. His popularity among educators, military veterans, University of South Carolina alumni and conservationists has enabled him to withstand previous ouster attempts.

House District 78

The district includes Arcadia Lakes and parts of Forest Acres, Northeast Richland and Fort Jackson

Who’s running: Incumbent Republican Joan Brady and Democrat Beth Bernstein

What’s at stake: It’s an area that alternately favors Democrats and Republicans. Democrats are pressing to end Brady’s eight-year hold by raising a variety of questions about her effectiveness.

Richland 2 school board

The district’s schools are in Northeast Richland and Blythewood areas

Who’s running: Incumbents: Calvin “Chip” Jackson and Susan Brill, and challengers: Regina Corley, Monica Elkins, Stevie Johnson, John Chief Propst and Jennifer Richter. The top three vote-getters in the nonpartisan race win seats.

What’s at stake: With two challengers openly questioning the academic trajectory of the district, this could serve as a referendum on Superintendent Katie Brochu.

Tim Flach and Carolyn Click