Crucial Contests Underway Across Three States
As the United States approaches its crucial November midterm elections, three states—South Carolina, Georgia, and Oklahoma—are holding important run-off and special elections. These contests are particularly significant given the Republican Party's narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress. The outcomes will determine key candidates for the general election and fill vacant legislative seats, providing an early indication of voter sentiment.
South Carolina: A Senate Race Shaped by Legacy and Endorsements
South Carolina voters are returning to the polls to finalize the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat. This election follows the unexpected death of Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent figure in Republican politics, who had secured his party's primary nomination in June. His passing created a vacancy for both his current term and the upcoming six-year term.
The run-off features Senator Darline Graham, the late senator's sister, who was appointed to complete his unexpired term, and Representative Ralph Norman, a five-term congressman. In the August 11 special primary, Darline Graham garnered approximately 33 percent of the vote, while Norman received about 25 percent. Neither candidate achieved the majority required to avoid a run-off.
Darline Graham demonstrated strong support in central South Carolina, including the Columbia area, and the Lowcountry region, which encompasses Charleston, performing exceptionally well in counties bordering Georgia. Conversely, Norman's strength was evident in the state's Piedmont and Upstate regions, particularly around Greenville.
Darline Graham has received significant endorsements, notably from Senator Tim Scott and former President Donald Trump, who actively campaigned with her in Myrtle Beach. The victor of this Republican run-off will proceed to face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Oklahoma: High-Stakes Gubernatorial and Senate Battles
Oklahoma is experiencing a contentious election cycle, with Republicans vying for the gubernatorial nomination and Democrats selecting their U.S. Senate candidate. Additionally, voters will decide on two statewide ballot measures, including a proposed constitutional amendment to mandate voter identification, a requirement already in place under state law.
The Republican gubernatorial primary, aimed at replacing term-limited Governor Kevin Stitt, has drawn considerable attention and financial investment. Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Senator Mike Mazzei emerged as the leading contenders from a field of nine in the June 16 primary, with Drummond narrowly leading Mazzei, 26.25 percent to 25.97 percent. Both fell short of the majority needed for an outright win.
The race has been marked by substantial self-funding; Mazzei has loaned his campaign over $11 million, while Drummond has contributed $3 million. Despite Mazzei's higher overall spending, Drummond has significantly outpaced him in traditional campaign contributions, raising $7.1 million compared to Mazzei's $1.5 million. Former President Trump's endorsement of Mazzei and his criticisms of Drummond add another layer of intrigue, testing the influence of presidential endorsements in gubernatorial primaries.
The winner of this Republican run-off will compete against Democratic state House of Representatives Minority Leader Cyndi Munson in November.
In the Democratic U.S. Senate race, nurse N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas secured approximately 45 percent of the primary vote, necessitating a run-off. Her opponent, lawyer and minister Jim Priest, received about 24 percent, despite a considerable fundraising advantage. Priest has consistently out-raised Thomas, reporting approximately $56,000 in campaign funds compared to Thomas's $455 as of early August. The Democratic nominee will face Republican U.S. Representative Kevin Hern, who decisively won his five-way primary with about 70 percent of the vote.
Beyond the candidate races, Oklahoma voters will also consider State Question 846, which proposes a constitutional amendment for voter identification, and State Question 844, concerning state reimbursements to local governments for lost property tax revenue due to manufacturing incentive programs.
Georgia: Filling a Congressional Vacancy
In Georgia's 13th Congressional District, located outside Atlanta, a special election run-off will determine who fills the U.S. House seat left vacant by the death of Democratic Representative David Scott in April. This contest between two Democrats will further impact the Republican Party's already slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The candidates are former Gwinnett County School Board Chairman Everton Blair and Marcye Scott, the daughter of the late congressman. In the July 28 all-party special election, Marcye Scott received approximately 46 percent of the vote, while Blair garnered about 38 percent. The winner of this run-off will serve the remainder of David Scott's term, which concludes at the end of the year. Notably, neither Blair nor Scott is running for the full term that begins in January, indicating that this election is solely to complete the current term.
