Over 300,000 South Carolinians voted early in this year’s statewide primary elections, a record for the state since “no-excuse” early voting was established in 2022. That year, just over 100,000 early votes were cast in the primary election. In 2024, that number rose to 120,000. The sharp increase in early voters this year is a signal that South Carolinians are engaged, and voter enthusiasm is high. 

While we do not know the number of votes cast on Election Day just yet (the state election commission is working on certifying the results), voter turnout in this year’s primaries will likely surpass turnout in 2022, the last midterm election year, where 550,000 South Carolinians cast a ballot. 

In the Lowcountry, Chamber PAC endorsed candidate Jennifer Kunda won her primary for Dorchester County Council. Another PAC endorsed candidate, Jarrod Brooks, who earned the most votes of any candidate in the primary for House District 99, will advance to a runoff. 

In primary races in South Carolina, a candidate must receive a majority of the vote to earn their party’s nomination. Because no candidate received 50% of the vote in this race, the top two candidates will face each other in a separate election, which is called a runoff.  

This year’s runoff elections will take place on Tuesday, June 23. 

The Republican Primary for House District 99 is not the only race going to a runoff later this month. The Republican Primary for Governor will see Pamela Evette and Alan Wilson square off, as will the Republican Primary for Attorney General with David Stumbo and Stephen Goldfinch. In the Democratic Primary for Governor, Jermaine Johnson won the nomination outright. In the 1st Congressional District, both parties will have runoffs, with Jenny Honeycutt facing Mark Smith on the Republican side, and Mac Deford facing Nancy Lacore on the Democratic side.  

Early voting for the runoff will take place on Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can find early voting locations in your county here. If you did not vote in the June 9 primary, you can still participate in the runoff.

If you have any questions about voting and how to cast your ballot, click here to view the South Carolina Election Commission’s voter FAQ.  

Additionally, if you have questions or are interested in getting more involved with the Chamber’s advocacy work, I’m happy to connect. Reach out at jgamble@charlestonchamber.org.