South-Carolina
Beyond Harris and Trump: Three consequential or interesting races on South Carolina ballots
Election Day will be about more than just Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Though the presidential election is commanding the most attention, down-ballot races and issues could most directly impact the lives of South Carolina and Upstate voters.
Here are three consequential — and interesting — races in South Carolina.
The race: Proposed constitutional amendment on voting
What’s on the ballot: South Carolina voters will see a proposed amendment to section 4 of Article II of the state Constitution reading “Must Section 4, Article II of the Constitution of this State, relating to voter qualifications, be amended so as to provide that only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law?”
What’s at stake: The proposed change would alter one word of the state Constitution to have it read “only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law.” Although an investigation found no non-citizens were voting in the state’s elections, lawmakers call the initiative a “belt and suspenders” approach to ensure there is no way South Carolina’s Supreme Court could rule citizens can vote in the elections. Critics of the proposal say this is a solution to a non-problem and could lead to future restrictions in voting.
The race: 4th Congressional District
Who is running: Democrat Kathryn Harvey is looking to unseat GOP incumbent William Timmons. Timmons almost lost to his primary challenger Adam Morgan in June and only secured a win by a little over 2,200 votes.
What’s at stake: Though the Upstate is an area of South Carolina with a GOP stronghold, Harvey outraised Timmons. Harvey brought in $268,393 and Timmons raised $88,609. Supporters argue this shows Harvey has a chance to claim the seat in Congress. But Timmons has also been in key swing states campaigning for Trump and suspended campaign activity to focus on recovery after Hurricane Helene trampled the district.
The race: State Senate District 41
Who is running: State Rep. Matt Leber, R-Charleston, unseated Sen. Sandy Senn, one of three GOP “Sister Senators” who blocked a near-total abortion ban in 2023, in the June primaries earlier this year. Rita Adkins is the Democratic nominee in the race.
What’s at stake: All three GOP Sister Senators were ousted this year. Charleston’s State Senate District 41 was won by the GOP in 2020 by 378 votes, meaning the race could be close this year.