South-Carolina

Meet the candidates: South Carolina General Assembly Senate and House races

Published

1 year ago

October 18, 2024

Meet the candidates: South Carolina General Assembly Senate and House races

Throughout Greenville County, eight Senate and 16 House seats are on the general election ballot with 11 contested races. S.C. Senate candidates Rex F. Rice (R-District 2), Tom Corbin (R-District 5), Jason Elliott (R-District 6), Karl B. Allen (D-District 7), and Shane Martin (R-District 13), and S.C. House candidates Neal Collins (R-District 5), Thomas Beach (R-District 10), Mark N. Willis (R-District 16), Mike Burns (R-District 17), Alan Morgan (R-District 18), Patrick Haddon (R-District 19), Bobby J. Cox (R-District 21) and Bill Chumley (R-District 35) are running unopposed.

S.C. Senate

District 8

Incumbent: Ross Turner

Party: Republican

Occupation: Small-business owner

Years as a Representative: 12

What are you planning to work on in your next term? I’d like to see the state government move to a results-based budget. With the cost of everything going up, people are being asked to do more with less. It’s time for our government to do the same thing. State agencies and departments need to justify every dollar every year. Taxpayers deserve to know how money is being spent and the results. It won’t be easy, but we can do it. This is something that will help our children and grandchildren achieve the kind of success that makes South Carolina a place where they will want to raise their families.

Challenger: Taylor Culliver

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Nonprofit director, Center for Courage & Renewal

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? My priority is empowering everyone in our community with the freedom and opportunity to live a good life. That includes making housing, health care and child care more affordable for hard-working families, investing in smarter growth and stronger infrastructure, restoring reproductive freedom so that women and families can make their own health care decisions alongside their doctors, championing public education, passing common-sense gun-safety laws, and expanding economic opportunity for all. I think it’s important that all of our constituents feel they have a representative that will listen to them and focus on the priorities that will make their lives better.

District 9

Incumbent: Danny Verdin

Party: Republican

Occupation: Farmer and small-business owner

Years as a Representative: 23

What are you planning to work on in your next term? As the chairman of the Senate Medical Affairs committee, I have used that leadership role to push for important conservative causes like protecting the unborn, providing lower costs, higher quality health care options, and rejecting experimental ‘woke’ medical procedures that harm our children. This committee plays an important role in maintaining the health and security for children, adult families and the vulnerable alike. I have a proven record of leading on these issues, and others, and will continue to do so when re-elected to the Senate.

Challenger: C. Randy Driggers

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Former embalmer/funeral director

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? Social Security benefits, a minimum of 50% increase on all who worked 35 years or more. All benefits cut off on anyone who reaches the wealth of $1 million. Health care 100% free after first five years straight full time of employment then free for life with 35 years employment. Fair housing in America is gone, the fix, a new capital gains and a rental tax imposed 35%-50%. Current tax laws brought out every Wall Street wolf. Until this happens it will never be fair again. No taxes on $75,000 single $100,000 married. It’s time the rich are taxed.

District 12

Candidate: Roger Nutt

Party: Republican

Occupation: Owner of TNC Engineering and Development LLC

Years as a representative: 4

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? Tort reform, working on making an easier path for adoptions, tax reform, etc.

Candidate: Octavia Amaechi

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Family physician

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? In my first term, I will focus on protecting reproductive freedom, enhancing health care access and improving education. I aim to ensure that health care decisions remain private between patients and their doctors, advocate for Medicaid expansion to lower uninsured rates, and support comprehensive educational reform with better funding for schools and competitive teacher salaries. These initiatives are essential for addressing the immediate needs of our community and setting a strong foundation for future progress in South Carolina.

S.C. House

District 7

S.C. House District 7 candidates Lee Gilreath (Republican) and Hunter Savirino (Libertarian) are on the ballot but did not respond to the Greenville Journal in time for this article’s publication.

District 20

Candidate: Stephen Frank

Party: Republican

Occupation: Commercial insurance

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? South Carolina businesses are suffering from unjust lawsuits that place fault where there is none. We need tort reform, and we need it now.

Candidate: Stephen Dreyfus

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Retired therapist and professor

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? Provide a progressive voice to the State House. Improve public education. Protect the environment. Give women the right to have control over their own bodies. Legalize marijuana. Provide sensible gun legislation so our children can be safe in school. Eliminate needless wasteful spending without jeopardizing necessary government programs. Make daylight-saving time last all year so no one has to reset their clocks. Protect and preserve democracy.

District 22

Candidate: Paul Wickensimer

Party: Republican

Occupation: Retired Greenville County Clerk of Court

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? I will work on improving our roads and bridges, continue to increase our teacher’s salaries so we can attract and retain quality teachers, and build relationships with members of the General Assembly so I can get support to get things done. I also will work with law enforcement to make sure they have they have the funding necessary to pay competitive salaries and the resources they need to deal with career felons, illegal immigrants, gangs and human trafficking. One thing I would like to change, if elected, is to reduce the level of state income taxes South Carolinians are paying.

Candidate: Brann Fowler

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Lawyer

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? My biggest concern is getting our state government back to governing. We need to focus on real issues that affect real people, like traffic, growth, crime and how our state government lost track of $5 billion, rather that arguing about culture war nonsense and canceling book fairs.

S.C. House District 23*

Incumbent: Chandra Dillard

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Director of community relations at Furman University

Years as a Representative: 16

What are you planning to work on in your next term? During the next legislative session, I will continue to provide accessible and accountable leadership to my constituents. I will continue to work collaboratively with my colleagues and other stakeholders for common-sense solutions that advance South Carolina and her residents with a emphasis on affordable housing, financial stability, and community and economic development. One thing I hope to change is the insurance requirements that govern liquor liability for our small-business owners and nonprofits.

*S.C. House District 23 candidate James Archibald Atkins Jr. (Libertarian) is on the ballot but did not respond to the Greenville Journal in time for this article’s publication.

District 24

Incumbent: Bruce Bannister

Party: Republican

Occupation: Attorney

Years as a Representative: 19

What are you planning to work on in your next term? As chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, my top priority is ensuring that our state has a balanced, fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes our needs, invests in our state’s future and keeps taxes low. The rapid growth of Greenville County – and the entire state – means we must be prepared to embrace the opportunities that come with growth. When I speak with my constituents, I hear that they want us to invest in education, support our teachers and improve infrastructure. My position as chairman of Ways & Means gives me unique access to address those needs.

Challenger: Shauna R. Johnson

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Psychiatric nurse practitioner

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? After speaking with countless Republicans, a common ground can be found in most situations. We, as humans, are more alike than we think, and it’s past time we leave partisan politics in the rearview mirror. Our country has become stagnant, as those with the most inflammatory opinions (on both the left and the right sides) are the ones with the microphones. For a change, I would make it my first priority to establish working relationships with both Democrats and Republicans. Bipartisan effort has not been a priority for the SC legislature of late.

District 25

Challenger: Tim Kennedy

Party: Republican

Occupation: Information technology

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? For District 25 I will begin working toward revitalizing and growing economically depressed areas within the district. For South Carolina, I will work to eliminate human trafficking across our state. I will work to improve and protect our education system by removing political and social agendas from school curriculums and focusing on teaching math, science, history, reading, writing, and useful life and career skills.

Incumbent: Wendell Jones

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Pastor/entrepreneur

Years as a Representative: 2

What are you planning to work on in your next term? My legislative focus will continue to be on creating policies that grant greater access to quality education, jobs (includes empowering small businesses), housing and health care. On a grassroots level, we will continue to execute our plans to increase the average household income in District 25, which would alleviate many of the problems the district faces.

District 27

Incumbent: David Vaughan

Party: Republican

Occupation: General contractor

Years as a Representative: 2

What are you planning to work on in your next term? In my upcoming term as the State House representative for District 27, my commitment remains steadfast in promoting transparency and upholding our conservative Republican values. I will focus on protecting life from conception, defending the Constitution and safeguarding our civil liberties. By prioritizing these principles, I aim to ensure that our district’s values are represented with integrity and dedication. Together, we can work toward a future that respects our fundamental rights and upholds the values we cherish.

Challenger: John MacCarthy

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Adjunct lecturer of physics

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? In my first term, I would work to make child care more affordable and available by expanding the current SC Child Care Scholarship Program. The median cost of child care in Greenville County is over $9,000 per child per year. The current program only provides an average of about $1,650 per child and covers less than 6% of the children in the state. I would also work to repeal the six-week abortion ban which is a threat to women’s freedom and the unpermitted open carry of handguns which is a threat to our children, our public safety and law enforcement.

District 28

Candidate: Chris Huff

Party: Republican

Occupation: Self-employed

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? I plan to lessen government overreach and reduce the tax burden on our citizens. One immediate change I would like to see is the end of property taxes. We need to stop propping up big business while small businesses are working just as hard. I look forward to fighting for individual liberty and freedom!

Candidate: Fritz Wiebel

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Retired industrial electrician

What is the one thing you plan to change if elected? If elected I will propose a 10% raise for teachers, fully fund ABC Daycare, more classroom money for teachers, more WI-FI equipped buses, and fully fund the S.C. teacher retirement system. Will not support any more rate increases for Duke. Try to get the tax system in S.C. in line with the federal tax code, to maximize the power of deductions for S.C. taxpayers. Fees and sales tax are not deductible and amount to double taxation. The legalization of cannabis. Both medically and personally. one ounce legal for adults to possess. No selling, five-plant grow limit.

Source link

South-Carolina

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

Published

24 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — The House ethics committee announced Monday it is investigating Representative Nancy Mace, the South Carolina Republican, for potentially improper reimbursement.

Mace may have sought and received reimbursements for Washington property expenses that were greater than the costs she actually incurred. The congresswoman has taken issue with the reliability of the committee’s evidence, however.

The committee began its investigation following a December referral from the House Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), an independent body that reviews allegations of misconduct. The OCC recommended that the committee investigate Mace’s reimbursement activity since there is “substantial” reason to believe she acted unethically – potentially in violation of House rules, standards of conduct and federal law.

Bills and statements from early 2023 to mid-2024 show that Mace overbilled the House for over $9,000 during that period, the OCC said. She allegedly requested the maximum reimbursement each month, at times receiving over a thousand dollars more than what she was entitled to, although the details of her finances are murky. Mace owned the property with her fiancé, who may have helped pay for it, according to the OCC.

“Based on the information available to the OCC, it appears Rep. Mace was reimbursed amounts exceeding the actual costs incurred for the DC Property during several months in 2023 and 2024,” the office said in its report.

“Further, if Rep. Mace did not pay for 100% of expenses related to the DC property – a determination the OCC could neither reach nor reject due to the Congresswoman’s lack of cooperation – this would increase the disparity between the amounts Rep. Mace was reimbursed and her actual expenses incurred.”

Mace’s lawyer, William Sullivan, Jr., wrote in response to the report in December that the OCC’s conclusions were “fundamentally flawed.” The report appeared to include unverified assertions and materials from the congresswoman’s former fiancé, who has a history of abusive and retaliatory behavior toward her, Sullivan said. The couple’s relationship ended in late 2023 to protect Mace’s “safety and wellbeing,” he noted.

“The Referral Report’s reliance on material and information originating from [the former fiancé] is therefore deeply problematic,” Sullivan wrote. “[The fiancé’s] personal motives, documented misuse of legal process, and demonstrated willingness to advance distorted or incomplete narratives about the Congresswoman raise substantial concerns about the accuracy and fairness of any claims premised upon or aligned with his accounts.”

The ethics committee is in the initial stage of its investigation and is gathering more information before advancing.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.

Source link

South-Carolina

How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

The college basketball slate on Tuesday will include Mike Sharavjamts and the South Carolina Gamecocks (12-17, 3-13 SEC) hosting Nate Ament and the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers (20-9, 10-6 SEC) at Colonial Life Arena, with the matchup tipping at 6 p.m. ET.

See more details below, including how to watch this game on SEC Network.

Here’s everything you need to prepare for Tuesday’s college hoops action.

South Carolina vs. Tennessee: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Game time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Arena: Colonial Life Arena
TV Channel: SEC Network
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Tennessee vs. South Carolina stats and trends

Tennessee is averaging 80.1 points per game (87th-ranked in college basketball) this year, while ceding 69.2 points per contest (62nd-ranked).
The Volunteers are dominating when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (40.1 per game) and second-best in boards allowed (25.8 per contest).
Tennessee ranks 32nd in the country with 17.0 assists per game.
The Volunteers are committing 11.6 turnovers per game (240th-ranked in college basketball). They are forcing 10.6 turnovers per contest (231st-ranked).
Tennessee is making 6.8 threes per game (279th-ranked in college basketball). It has a 34.3% shooting percentage (167th-ranked) from three-point land.
With 7.9 threes conceded per game, the Volunteers rank 196th in the country. They are giving up a 30.5% shooting percentage from three-point land, which ranks 29th in college basketball.
Tennessee is attempting 41.3 two-pointers per game this year, which account for 67.7% of the shots it has taken (and 76.2% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 19.7 three-pointers per contest, which are 32.3% of its shots (and 23.8% of the team’s buckets).

Tennessee vs. South Carolina Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-8.5)
Moneyline: Tennessee (-437), South Carolina (+328)
Total: 143.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 1:12 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

Source link

South-Carolina

Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have caused a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Analysts predict gas prices will rise in the U.S., including in South Carolina.
The conflict has disrupted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global transit route.
South Carolina’s average gas price remains lower than the national average, which is approaching $3 per gallon.

An escalating conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in March 2026 has initiated a sharp rise in global energy prices.

Analysts predict a significant uptick in U.S. gasoline prices, including in South Carolina, which often has some of the lowest gas prices in the country.

As of March 2026, AAA reports the national average for regular gasoline is $2.997 per gallon.

Based on projections released earlier this year in the Short-Term Energy Outlook, 2026 was initially forecast to have lower gas prices than 2025. With an expected 6% decrease, translating into approximately a 20-cent-per-gallon drop.

However, due to the conflict, these projections are now uncertain, and prices may not follow the anticipated trend.

“The national average price of gasoline has climbed for a fourth straight week, driven primarily by seasonal tightening and broader market dynamics,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

In the week ahead, De Han stated, gasoline prices are likely to face heightened upward pressure as seasonal trends continue and markets navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape, with the national average poised to reach the $3-per-gallon mark for the first time this year.

“Looking ahead, markets will now begin reacting to this weekend’s U.S.-Iran attacks, which have elevated geopolitical risk premiums even in the absence of immediate supply disruption,” said De Haan. “Oil prices have firmed as traders assess the potential for further escalation, and while fundamentals such as inventories and refinery activity remain important anchors, the risk of broader instability, particularly involving key transit routes, has injected fresh uncertainty into energy markets.”

Here’s what South Carolinians need to know.

How much is gas in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s average gasoline price remains significantly lower than the national average.

In South Carolina, the average price for regular gasoline currently stands at $2.666 per gallon, according to AAA. Mid-grade gasoline is priced at $3.099, premium gasoline is $3.494, and diesel is priced at $3.505.

Gas price hikes anticipated as bombing continue in Iran

South Carolina drivers should consider filling up their gas tanks soon to avoid potential price spikes.

Analysts expect crude oil, which ended trading on Friday, Feb. 27, at about $67 a barrel, to open this week at $90 or higher as traders process the news that Iranian forces have restricted traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Why are gas prices rising?

Iran is a major oil producer, and the ongoing conflict has disrupted the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil passes, according to reports from USA TODAY.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned vessels to avoid the area, and major shipping companies like Maersk have suspended all crossings. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates send most of their oil exports through there.

This disruption has and could continue to reduce supply, driving prices up as demand remains steady.

“Too many global economies depend on that corridor to remain blocked,” De Haan said. “Markets price high transaction costs and additional uncertainty, he says, but he is not expecting full closure.”

If access through the strait is limited for an extended period, prices could rise “materially above $100/barrel,” said analysts at TD Securities in a March 1 note.

On the other hand, if access through the strait is guaranteed and hostilities cease, the added costs to account for the extra risk could evaporate in a matter of weeks, the TD team wrote.

“If it becomes clear this week that the tensions with Iran are short-lived, then oil prices will come back to the 60s,” said Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, in emailed remarks to USA TODAY.

Has South Carolina hit highest record average gas prices?

Despite the current spike in gas prices due to the conflict, South Carolina has not yet surpassed its highest recorded average prices, according to AAA.

The record for regular unleaded gasoline in the state was $4.609 per gallon on June 12, 2022.

Diesel hit a peak of $5.638 per gallon on June 10, 2022.

March gas price outlook: What drivers need to know about gas prices

As reported by USA TODAY on Feb. 28, the national average for U.S. gas prices is likely to push above $3 a gallon on March 2 for the first time this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, prices will likely hit at least $3.10 to $3.15 a gallon.

There’s also a normal seasonal increase in gas prices around this time of year, driven by seasonal pipeline maintenance, the transition to more expensive summer-blend fuel, and an increase in driving, according to GasBuddy analysis.

Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, expects gas prices to rise in roughly the same rate as oil prices over the coming weeks.

If crude jumps 10%, gas prices will as well, said Thummel.

Upstate SC Gas landscape

According to GasBuddy, in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, gas prices have shown similar trends to the national average, with drivers experiencing gradual increases at the pump.

Upstate South Carolina stations are adjusting prices in response to crude oil fluctuations and seasonal factors. Here’s the latest prices as of Mondy, March 2 at noon: