Read all of The State’s endorsements for the 2024 SC primary
Election Day is Tuesday, and The State Editorial Board offers these endorsements. After interviewing more than 50 candidates, we made recommendations in 25 contested primary races for Congress, state House of Representatives, state senate, Richland County Council, Lexington County Council and Lexington County sheriff. You can read them in their entirety at thestate.com/opinion/election-endorsements or click on the subheads and links below.
Here they are in brief.
Congress
District 2 Republican primary: U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson. He said his priorities in a new term would be “to create jobs, reduce inflation and help democracies defeat dictators,” all noble goals.
District 2 Democratic primary: David Robinson II. He showed an appreciation for complexity and an ability to consider subjects from many angles instead of only a partisan view.
District 6 Republican primary: Duke Buckner. His view of abortion nods to its difficulty and divisiveness, and demonstrates how he might evaluate complex issues.
SC state House
District 72 Democratic primary: Rep. Seth Rose. His experience made this an easy pick.
District 73 Democratic primary: Rep. Chris Hart. He knows and explains complex issues well.
District 75 Republican primary: former Rep. Kirkman Finlay III. He touts his State House connections and experience.
District 79 Democratic primary: Hamilton Grant. His goals have more specifics, especially on housing.
District 85 Republican primary: Dean Widener. He decries “gotcha votes” and seems far less of an idealogue.
District 87 Republican primary: Rep. Paula Rawl Calhoon. She thinks holistically about issues.
District 88 Republican primary: Lorelei Graye. She vowed to be “committed to responsible governance.”
District 96 Republican primary: Rep. Ryan McCabe. He is a lawyer with some thoughtful views.
SC Senate
District 19 Democratic primary: Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine. Her experience, vision and record of public service make this an easy choice.
District 22 Democratic primary: Rep. Ivory Thigpen. He showed a willingness to have potentially difficult conversations, a respect for other leaders and a responsiveness and responsibility to the public.
District 23 Republican primary: Sen. Katrina Shealy. She showed her measured approach throughout her interview.
District 26 Democratic primary: Sen. Dick Harpootlian. It’s important to have someone in the Senate who challenges the status quo smartly.
District 26 Republican primary: Jason Guerry. His thoughtful, thorough answers showed how he thinks and communicates.
Richland County Council
District 3 Democratic primary: Tyra Little. She would bring insights and experience on community issues big and small and may make headway on intractable issues, improving quality of life for all.
District 7 Democratic primary: Council member Gretchen Barron. Her opponent withdrew.
District 10 Democratic primary: Council member Cheryl English. She has been doing hard work.
Lexington County Council
District 1 Republican primary: Council member Scott Whetstone. His approach seems more comprehensive and shows depth, breadth and nuance.
District 3 Republican primary: Council member Darrell Hudson. He has more experience and more gravitas.
District 4 Republican primary: Doug Leonard. He has a strong business background and managerial experience. And he got granular, showing how he’d do the job.
District 5 Republican primary: Clifford Fisher. He works in road development and construction and is a reserve Richland County sheriff’s deputy, a helpful background.
District 6 Republican primary: Council member Charli Wessinger. She sees the bigger picture and sweats the small details.
Lexington County sheriff
Republican primary: Sheriff Jay Koon. Given his achievements, he deserves four more years running the department.
This story was originally published June 6, 2024 at 11:31 AM.