Duke Buckner

Duke Buckner (Republican Party) (also known as Dwayne) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent South Carolina's 6th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Biography

Duke Buckner was born in Walterboro, South Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree in English education from South Carolina State University in 1994. He earned a J.D. from Nova Southeastern University in 2007. Buckner's career experience includes working as an attorney at law, public school teacher, real estate broker, and certified mediator. He has been affiliated with the Florida State Bar Association, the South Carolina State Bar Association, and with Rotary International in Hampton County. Buckner has also been a member of St. Peter's African Methodist Episcopal Church.^[1]^[2]

Elections

2024

South Carolina's 6th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 11 Republican primary)

South Carolina's 6th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 11 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Incumbent James Clyburn defeated Duke Buckner, Michael Simpson, Gregg Marcel Dixon, and Joseph Oddo in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 6 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	James Clyburn (D)	59.5	182,056
	Duke Buckner (R)	36.7	112,360
	Michael Simpson (L)	1.7	5,279
	Gregg Marcel Dixon (United Citizens Party)	1.6	4,927
	Joseph Oddo (Alliance Party)	0.3	1,056
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	299

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 305,977
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Justin Ginn (Independent)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent James Clyburn advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Duke Buckner defeated Justin Scott in the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6 on June 11, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Duke Buckner	55.8	10,145
	Justin Scott	44.2	8,050

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 18,195
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Dennis Whiteley (R)

Alliance Party convention

Alliance Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Joseph Oddo advanced from the Alliance Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 6 on April 20, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Joseph Oddo (Alliance Party)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Michael Simpson advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 6 on May 4, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Michael Simpson (L)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

United Citizens Party convention

United Citizens Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Gregg Marcel Dixon advanced from the United Citizens Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 6 on March 9, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Gregg Marcel Dixon (United Citizens Party)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Buckner in this election.

2022

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Incumbent James Clyburn defeated Duke Buckner in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 6 on November 8, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	James Clyburn (D)	62.0	130,923
	Duke Buckner (R)	37.9	79,879
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	226

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 211,028
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Incumbent James Clyburn defeated Michael Addison and Gregg Marcel Dixon in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6 on June 14, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	James Clyburn	87.9	48,729
	Michael Addison	7.6	4,203
	Gregg Marcel Dixon	4.5	2,503

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 55,435
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Duke Buckner defeated A. Sonia Morris in the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6 on June 14, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Duke Buckner	74.4	15,638
	A. Sonia Morris	25.6	5,374

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 21,012
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

John Chapman (R)

2020

United States Senate election in South Carolina, 2020 (June 9 Republican primary)

United States Senate election in South Carolina, 2020 (June 9 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. Senate South Carolina

Incumbent Lindsey Graham defeated Jaime Harrison and Bill Bledsoe (Unofficially withdrew) in the general election for U.S. Senate South Carolina on November 3, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Lindsey Graham (R)	54.4	1,369,137
	Jaime Harrison (D)	44.2	1,110,828
	Bill Bledsoe (Constitution Party) (Unofficially withdrew)	1.3	32,845
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	2,294

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,515,104
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Keenan Dunham (L)
David Weikle (L)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Jaime Harrison advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate South Carolina.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate South Carolina

Incumbent Lindsey Graham defeated Michael LaPierre, Joe Reynolds, and Duke Buckner in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate South Carolina on June 9, 2020.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Lindsey Graham	67.7	317,512
	Michael LaPierre	17.0	79,932
	Joe Reynolds	9.2	43,029
	Duke Buckner	6.1	28,570

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 469,043
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Constitution convention

Constitution convention for U.S. Senate South Carolina

Bill Bledsoe advanced from the Constitution convention for U.S. Senate South Carolina on January 11, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Bill Bledsoe (Constitution Party)

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Duke Buckner did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Buckner’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Economy

Jumpstarting our economy and reigning in wasteful spending is critical to our economic security.

Security and Strength

Strengthening America’s borders and armed forces is critical to the success of our nation.

Pro Life

Protecting and defending life is paramount to the rights of every American.

Jobs

Creating an environment where employers can create new jobs is vital to economic growth.

Education

Fostering a better education for America’s future is of utmost importance. ^[3]

”

—Duke Buckner’s campaign website (2024)^[4]

2022

Duke Buckner completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Buckner's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Walterboro, South Carolina, Mr. Buckner is a 1990 graduate of Walterboro High School and a 1994 Graduate of South Carolina State University in English Education. Mr. Buckner began his career as a 7th grade English teacher at Colleton Middle School. He also taught 11th grade American Literature at Walterboro High School. Mr. Buckner left the school system to start the first African-American owned and operated weekly newspaper in Colleton County. After serving as the newspaper’s managing editor for eight years, Mr. Buckner received his J.D. from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 2007.

As an attorney, Mr. Buckner began his legal career as a public defender fighting for the legal rights of indigent people in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He moved back home to Walterboro in 2009 and won a seat on the Walterboro City Council. He has been in private practice since 2012.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Jobs, Economic Growth and Development
Excellence in Education
Safe Streets and Neighborhoods by reducing crime

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic growth and development, education and crime reduction

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and Savior.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Holy Bible

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must be a good listener, be a man or woman their word, and have a mind to work.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have analytical, communication and social skills. I am also persistent and am diligent in completing the task set before me.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A person elected to U.S. Congress has the responsibility to make sure that the will of the people he or she represents is heard in Washington, DC and to have a positive impact on the district he or she serves.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I was a disciple of Jesus Christ

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was in my early 20's when I became a born again believer of Jesus Christ.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at McDonald's in high school. I worked there several months.

What is your favorite book? Why?

KJV version of the Bible. It is the word of God

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Green Latern

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

It's Quiet Uptown from the Broadway Musical, Hamilton

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Understanding the mistreatment and mischaracterization of African Americans who hold conservative beliefs.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Representatives are elected every two years. Therefore, they have to be diligent and produce results.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Self Destruction

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Ways and Means , Appropriations, Education and Labor

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

We need term limits.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I met a constituent who drives from Bamberg to Charleston to work everyday. His commute is about an hour and a half. He shared with me that because of the high cost of gas and food, he is now suffering financially.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I believe the government should be a good steward over tax payers dollars and not be wasteful. For economic growth and development, reductions in crime and improvements in education to happen, money has to be spent wisely.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Duke Buckner completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Buckner's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a born again believer in Jesus Christ. I believe that a war for the soul of America is being fought! Conservatives must win this fight so that our country can continue to be that shining city upon a hill that cannot be hid. I am a former middle and high school English teacher and weekly newspaper owner. Currently, I am a licensed attorney practicing law in South Carolina for the last 7 years in my own law firm.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am Pro Life
I am Pro Second Amendment
I am Pro Fiscal Responsibility

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

WHEREAS the South Carolina Republican Party was founded by Robert Smalls, a former slave from Beaufort, SC who breathed into our Grand Old Party the founding principles of Faith, Love and Courage.

And for the SCGOP's commitment and application of these principles in the creation of public policy, I believe God has blessed the state of South Carolina.

And for God's continued blessings and prosperity be bestowed upon the state of South Carolina and its people, I henceforth pledge to act and vote in a manner that is consistent to the long established fundamental principles of the Republican Party and not compromise our state's conservative values and beliefs for the sake of bi-partisanship or to be "relevant."

Furthermore, I pledge to work to make into law either by sponsorship or co-sponsorship the following Pro Life, Pro Second Amendment, Pro Fiscal Responsibility Legislative agenda:

I. The Right to Life Act- No Abortion. No Exceptions

II. The Second Amendment Protection Act- I oppose Red Flag Laws and any additional gun control legislation that infringes on our right to keep and bare arms.

III. 2030 Debt Free Act- Pay off our national debt within 10 years.

IV. Fatherhood Preservation Act- Joint custody and standard visitation rights be awarded to fathers who obey the law and are Court ordered to pay child support

V. The Natural Food Consumption Act- Promote, protect and expand organic farming and organic livestock farming.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe on him and follow his example because by doing so I will not perish but have everlasting life.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

King James Version of the Bible.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

1. God fearing

2. Honest

3. Have a desire to do good and serve the people.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My experience as a public school teacher, newspaper owner, city councilman and practicing attorney in South Carolina has given me certain skills that I believe will make me a successful officeholder. These skills include, but are not limited to: planning and implementation, collaboration, interpersonal, communication, persuasive, legal analysis, negotiating, listening, fortitude and vision.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to the office of U.S. Senate is to represent the values and beliefs of the people who put them into office. He or she must be a problem solver, and a good listener and be accessible to his or her constituency.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was 18 years old when I became a born again believer of Jesus Christ.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working at McDonald's when I was in the 10th grade. I do not remember how long I worked there.

What is your favorite book? Why?

King James Version of the Bible. It is my favorite book because I believe it is God's word.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

A member of the Green Lantern Corps.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Stone was Rolled Away by Three Crosses

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

1. The rights of the unborn.

2. Second Amendment Rights

3. National Debt

4. National Security

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

What makes the U.S. Senate unique is that every state in our union has two U.S. Senators. This allows each state, regardless of population, to have equal representation in the U.S. Senate

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

For senators, having previous experience in government or politics can be both beneficial and detrimental. It can be beneficial if that previous experience in government or politics resulted in the senator doing good. It would be detrimental if that same experience resulted in the senator doing evil.

What do you think of the filibuster?

I think the filibuster must be used when appropriate and not abused.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?

1. Is the person qualified?

2. Does the person have the character, disposition and temperament to perform the job effectively?

3. Is this the right person for the job?

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?

Yes, I believe its beneficial to build relationships with other senators.

If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Yes, they are the following:

1. U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
2. Finance

3. Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes, I would be interested in joining the party's leadership as assistant leader.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Yes, Senator Tim Scott.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Duke Buckner campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House South Carolina District 6	Lost general	$243,079	$234,244
2022	U.S. House South Carolina District 6	Lost general	$205,669	$204,077
2020	U.S. Senate South Carolina	Lost primary	$27,645	$27,416
Grand total			$476,393	$465,737
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 14, 2020
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 22, 2022
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ [XURLX Duke Buckner’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed June 7, 2024]

[show]

South Carolina's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Lindsey Graham (R)

Tim Scott (R)

Representatives

District 1

Nancy Mace (R)

District 2

Joe Wilson (R)

District 3

Sheri Biggs (R)

District 4

William Timmons (R)

District 5

Ralph Norman (R)

District 6

James Clyburn (D)

District 7

Russell Fry (R)

Republican Party (8)

Democratic Party (1)

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 14, 2020

[bio2-2] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 22, 2022

[quotedisclaimer-3] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[4] [XURLX Duke Buckner’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed June 7, 2024]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

	v • e State of South Carolina Columbia (capital)
Elections	What's on my ballot? \| Elections in 2025 \| How to vote \| How to run for office \| Ballot measures
Government	Who represents me? \| U.S. President \| U.S. Congress \| Federal courts \| State executives \| State legislature \| State and local courts \| Counties \| Cities \| School districts \| Public policy

Duke Buckner

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Alliance Party convention

Alliance Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

United Citizens Party convention

United Citizens Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 6

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2020

General election

General election for U.S. Senate South Carolina

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate South Carolina

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Constitution convention

Constitution convention for U.S. Senate South Carolina

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Campaign website

2022

2020

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

SITE NAVIGATION