Statehouse Candidate Filing Week 1: Incumbents Draw Conservative Challengers as Freedom Caucus Faces Limited Pushback

The first week of candidate filing across South Carolina closed with little drama, but several State House incumbents are already facing credible conservative primary challengers. The filing deadline is noon on March 30 ahead of the June 9 Republican primaries.

Governor’s Race Takes Shape - with a Twist

The race to succeed Gov. Henry McMaster is underway, marking the end of a nearly decade-long tenure in the Governor’s Mansion. After years defined by corporate cronyism, COVID-era overreach and missed opportunities for reform, Republicans face a pivotal choice about the direction of the state.

Attorney General Alan Wilson (R-Lexington) and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-York) have filed after months of campaigning. Norman is backed by the Freedom Caucus Fund.

Meanwhile, DOGE SC founder Rom Reddy has entered the race, a late but unsurprising move for those tracking his political ambitions. SC Confidential first covered Reddy's not-so-revolutionary maneuvers in January as well as this week's ominous start to the campaign.

McMaster's Lt. Governor Pamela Evette (R-Greenville), State Sen. Josh Kimbrell (R-Spartanburg), and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-Berkeley) have all announced their campaigns but have yet to file.

Freedom Caucus Eyes Gains, Draws Few Challengers

Following a string of special election setbacks, establishment Republicans led by State House Speaker Murrell Smith (R-Sumter) are working to halt the momentum of the House Freedom Caucus, which is believed to need at least six additional seats to exert meaningful influence.

So far, however, most Freedom Caucus members face minimal opposition.

State Rep. April Cromer (R-Anderson), the group’s vice chairwoman, is the lone member with a serious challenger. She faces a rematch with attorney Kyle White in District 6 after defeating him 56–44 in 2024 - setting up what could become one of the cycle’s most expensive races.

In District 40, Rep. Joe White (R-Newberry) is again challenged by Johnathan Ammons, who garnered just 3% in the 2024 contest for the seat.

Key Establishment vs. Conservative Battles

House Majority Whip Brandon Newton (R-Lancaster) faces Kershaw County Council Vice Chairman Russell Brazell in District 45. Newton is widely considered the closest ally of SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick and expected to become majority leader should he win re-election.

Rep. Neal Collins (R-Pickens) draws a rematch from Brandy Tarleton in District 5 after a 55%–45% win in 2024. Collins is considered by many to be on the farthest-left flank of the Republican Caucus. Tarleton was a Freedom Caucus candidate in 2024.

Rep. Don Chapman (R-Anderson) faces another challenge from Sherry Hodges in District 8, with Patrick Orr also entering the race. Hodges was a Freedom Caucus candidate in 2024, when she fell short 56%-44%.

Rep. Craig Gagnon (R-Abbeville) is challenged by small businessman Jesse Turner in District 11.

Rep. Luke Rankin (R-Laurens) faces a challenge on his right from farmer Rick Shealy in District 14.

Freshman Rep. David Martin (R-York), a reliable vote on the left, faces a strong challenge from Freedom Caucus candidate Dr. Elizabeth Enns in District 26.

Rep. Steven Long, who become a more vocal advocate for the House Republican Caucus, is challenged by Tony Patel in District 37.

Rep. Cal Forrest (R-Saluda) faces Katie Hall in her third attempt for District 39.

Rep. Michael Neese draws a serious challenger in former state Senate candidate Tripp McCoy in District 44.

Open Seats and Emerging Fights

Tommy Paradise and Kim Ray have filed to replace retiring Rep. Bill Taylor (R-Aiken) in District 86.

Daniel Alexander and Tyler Morgan will compete for the Republican nomination to challenge Rep. Lonnie Hosey (D-Barnwell) in District 91.

In District 96 where Rep. Ryan McCabe (R-Lexington) is the lone Freedom Caucus retirement, Perry Finch and Hunter Hackett have filed.

District 99, where Rep. Mark Smith (R-Berkeley) is leaving to run for congress, features Jarrod Brooks and David Herndon thus far.

In District 112, Rep. Joe Bustos (R-Charleston) faces Woody Sprouse in what is expected to be a costly and contentious race.

In coastal District 115, the retirement of Rep. Spencer Wetmore (D-Charleston) creates a pickup opportunity in the swing seat. Johnnie Garmon and Carlton Walker have filed, with Garmon backed by Freedom Caucus Chairman Jordan Pace.

What’s Next

If no candidate surpasses 50% in the June 9 primary, the top two finishers will advance to a June 23 runoff - setting the stage for a summer of intraparty battles that will define the direction of the South Carolina House.

US Rep. Ralph Norman (left) and SC House Speaker Murrell Smith (Right)