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South Carolina GOP Race Heads to Runoff After No Clear Winner
South Carolina, USAWednesday, June 10, 2026
The Republican primary that will fill the seat vacated by Rep. Nancy Mace has moved to a runoff because no candidate secured a majority of the vote. The contest will decide who takes over after Mace announced she is running for governor, ending her congressional term.
Main Contenders
| Candidate | Background | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Jenny Honeycutt | Business owner; runs a law firm that helps clients with regulations | Family values, law‑and‑order, state finances |
| Mark Smith | State legislator; former funeral home owner | Tax cuts, support for local police, South Carolina House since 2020 |
Both candidates have raised substantial funds. Honeycutt’s campaign has raised just over $345,000, while Smith’s coffers hold about $750,700. A third participant, Jay Byars, a county council member and entrepreneur, has collected $220,600.
Context
- Mace won re‑election in 2024 and now seeks the governorship.
- She is known for breaking party lines, such as voting with Democrats to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023 and pushing for an earlier release of the Epstein Files.
Runoff Date
The district, largely Republican for decades, will now see a direct contest between Honeycutt and Smith on June 23. The outcome could shape the state’s political direction in the coming years.
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