Political Storm Brewing in South Carolina for 2026

Charleston at the Center of the Storm

South Carolina is gearing up for a tumultuous political year in 2026, with Charleston at the center of the storm. The upcoming elections promise to be a test of voters' patience and sanity, as both national and local races heat up.

1st District Congressional Race

Battleground Status: At least nine Republicans vying for the nomination after Congresswoman Nancy Mace steps down.
Democratic Challenge: A strong Democratic candidate could emerge, making the race more competitive than expected.

Governor's Race

Nancy Mace's Ambition: Eyeing the governor's mansion, but faces stiff competition.
Key Opponents:
Attorney General Alan Wilson
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette
Congressman Ralph Norman
Recent Feud: Her clash with the Charleston International Airport hasn't helped her chances.

Local Races

School Board

Conservative Majority: Significant gains under a conservative majority.
Challenges: Candidates backed by the Lowcountry Conservative Club aim to flip seats, altering the board's direction.

Charleston County Council

Conservative Challengers: Backed by state Sen. Matt Leber, aiming to unseat incumbent Republicans.
Democratic Comeback: Democrats eyeing a comeback in some districts, potentially shifting the balance of power.

Transportation Sales Tax Referendum

Funding Needs: County leaders need the tax to continue funding road improvements and greenspace acquisition.
Skeptical Electorate: Convincing voters to support the tax won't be easy, especially with growth outpacing improvements.
Seawall Proposal: The city of Charleston hopes to use part of the tax for a peninsula seawall, but county officials worry about backlash.
Debate Ahead: Both sides have 11 months to make their case, but it won't be a pleasant debate.

Conclusion

With so much at stake, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of political turmoil in South Carolina. Voters will need to stay informed and critical to navigate the challenges ahead.