Results and Headlines from the South Carolina June 9 Primary Elections

Here are the results and some context for South Carolina’s Primary Elections on June 9, courtesy of Copper Dome Strategies:

Federal Races

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham easily defeats his three primary GOP primary opponents. He will face former State Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison in November. (Senator Tim Scott is not on the ballot this year).
State Representative Nancy Mace wins SC’s 1st District GOP race and will face incumbent Congressman Joe Cunningham (D) in November.
2^nd District Congressman Joe Wilson easily wins his GOP primary.
Former University of South Carolina college football player Moe Brown wins the Democratic primary nomination for the 5^th District. The Gamecocks wide receiver will face incumbent Ralph Norman (R) in November.

Two House incumbents lost their seats in primary races:

Rep. Jimmy Bales was defeated by Jermaine Johnson in Richland County Dist. 80. Bales has served since 1999.
Rep. Kit Spires was defeated by Ryan McCabe Spires has served since 2007.

Facing runoffs (failed to garner 50.1% needed to avoid a runoff):

Sen. Luke Rankin (R), District 33 Horry County, against John Gallman. Rankin has served since 1993 and is currently Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Rep. Neal Collins (R), House District 5, Pickens County against Alan Quinn.
Rep. Bill Chumley (R), District 86, faces challenger Chris Bennett.

Close races included:

State Sen. Scott Talley (R), District 12 Spartanburg, defeated Mark Lynch with 52% of the vote.
Rep. Sylleste Davis (R) District 100 Moncks Corner, won her primary with 50.28% of the vote.

All other incumbents facing primary opposition won their races.