South Carolina Holds 2026 Primaries For Governor, Senate And House
Voters in South Carolina cast ballots in statewide primaries Tuesday, June 9, 2026, choosing nominees for governor, U.S. Senate and House races that will shape the fall contests.[1]
Polls close at 6 p.m. CT and primary winners must top 50% to avoid runoff elections on June 23.[1] Seven Republicans and three Democrats are running for the open governor's office, while Sen. Lindsey Graham faces five Republican primary challengers.[1] Rep. Nancy Mace's gubernatorial bid left the 1st District open, drawing seven Democrats and 11 Republicans onto that primary ballot.[1]
Henry McMaster succeeded Nikki Haley as governor in 2017 and won elections in 2018 and 2022. Those victories left him term-limited under South Carolina's two-consecutive-term rule and created the open-seat governor contest. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace launched a gubernatorial campaign in August 2025 and filed to run in March 2026, which opened her 1st District seat. Sen. Lindsey Graham, first elected in 2002, filed for a fifth term and drew multiple GOP challengers.
South Carolina's open-primary system lets any registered voter pick either party's ballot, a feature that could boost independent participation in today's contests. The state has about 3.4 million registered voters, and roughly 279,000 ballots had been cast by the Friday before the primary, compared with 439,000 ballots in the 2024 state primary.
The mainstream summary does not mention the significant context of South Carolina's political landscape, where Republicans have maintained control of all statewide elected positions for over a decade. This dominance raises questions about the competitiveness of the Democratic candidates in the primaries, despite their participation. Notably, the summary omits the fact that the 2024 state primary saw a turnout of only 12.5 percent, which could reflect broader voter engagement issues that may impact the upcoming elections. In contrast, the turnout for the current primaries appears lower than anticipated, with only 279,000 ballots cast by the Friday before the election, compared to 439,000 in 2024, indicating a potential decline in voter enthusiasm or participation.[2]
Additionally, while the summary highlights the open-primary system, it does not delve into how this structure may influence candidate selection and voter participation. The ability for independents to vote in these primaries could lead to a more diverse electorate, contrasting sharply with closed systems in other states, which may limit broader participation. This aspect is crucial in understanding the dynamics at play in the primaries, particularly as the Republican Party experiences a realignment towards more populist and Trump-aligned candidates, potentially sidelining moderate voices.[3]
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📊 Relevant Data
South Carolina conducts open primaries in which any registered voter may participate in one party's primary ballot without prior party registration or affiliation.
Primary elections in South Carolina — Ballotpedia
Turnout in the 2024 South Carolina state primary was 12.5 percent, with 439,000 ballots cast.
SC Voter Data: Registration by Party, Turnout & Primary ... — Independent Voter Project
📌 Key Facts
- South Carolina holds statewide primaries on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with polls closing at 7 p.m. ET.
- Seven Republicans and three Democrats are running to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Henry McMaster.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham faces five GOP primary challengers in his bid for a fifth term.
- Rep. Nancy Mace’s gubernatorial run leaves her 1st District seat open, drawing seven Democrats and 11 Republicans onto the ballot.
- Primary winners must receive more than 50% of the vote to avoid June 23 runoff elections.
- South Carolina has about 3.4 million registered voters, and roughly 279,000 ballots had already been cast by the Friday before the primary.
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