South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024

2026 → ← 2022
South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District
Democratic primary Republican primary Republican primary runoff General election
Election details
Filing deadline: April 1, 2024
Primary: June 11, 2024 Primary runoff: June 25, 2024 General: November 5, 2024
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting in South Carolina
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Safe Republican Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2024
See also
South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th South Carolina elections, 2024 U.S. Congress elections, 2024 U.S. Senate elections, 2024 U.S. House elections, 2024 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House racesArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House racesFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House racesOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House racesTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House racesVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House racesSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 3rd Congressional District of South Carolina, held elections in 2024. The general election was November 5, 2024. The primary was June 11, 2024, and a primary runoff was June 25, 2024. The filing deadline was April 1, 2024. The outcome of this race affected the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 119th Congress. All 435 House districts were up for election.

At the time of the election, Republicans held a 220-212 majority with three vacancies. As a result of the election, Republicans retained control of the U.S. House, winning 220 seats to Democrats' 215. To read more about the 2024 U.S. House elections, click here.

In the 2022 election in this district, the Republican candidate won 97.6%-2.4%. Daily Kos calculated what the results of the 2020 presidential election in this district would have been following redistricting. Donald Trump (R) would have defeated Joe Biden (D) 68.0%-30.6%.

This is one of 45 open races for the U.S. House in 2024 where an incumbent did not run for re-election. Across the country, 24 Democrats and 21 Republicans did not run for re-election. In 2022, 49 representatives did not seek re-election, including 31 Democrats and 18 Republicans.

For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

• South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 11 Democratic primary)
• South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Republican primary)
• South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 11 Republican primary)

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 3

Sheri Biggs defeated Bryon Best and Michael Bedenbaugh in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sheri Biggs (R)	71.7	248,451
		Bryon Best (D)	25.3	87,735
		Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance Party)	2.9	9,918
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	609

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 346,713
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House South Carolina District 3

Sheri Biggs defeated Mark Burns in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sheri Biggs	51.0	28,156
		Mark Burns	49.0	27,064

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 55,220
= 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.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3

Bryon Best defeated Frances Guldner in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on June 11, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bryon Best	62.4	5,188
		Frances Guldner	37.6	3,129

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,317
= 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.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Daniel Duncan (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on June 11, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Burns	33.2	27,069
✔		Sheri Biggs	28.8	23,523
		Stewart Jones	18.7	15,260
		Kevin Bishop	11.0	8,972
		Franky Franco	4.3	3,494
	Submit photo	Elspeth Snow Murday	2.1	1,754
		Philip Healy	1.9	1,552

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 81,624
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Andrew Adams (R)
• Jeff Duncan (R)
• Michael LaPierre (R)
• Patrick Orr (R)

Alliance Party convention

Alliance Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 3

Michael Bedenbaugh advanced from the Alliance Party convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on April 20, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Michael Bedenbaugh (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.

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Bryon Best

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Greetings, fellow South Carolinians! I am Bryon Best, a proud native of Edgefield, South Carolina, and I am fueled by unwavering commitment, compassion, and intention to amplify the voices of District 3 in Congress. In these challenging times, integrity stands at the core of my values. I firmly believe in the importance of representing our community with honesty, transparency, and a dedication to our shared values. Together, let us strive for a brighter future, where every voice is heard, and every individual is valued. Join me in this journey to bring positive change to District 3 and make our community a better place for all."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

I am dedicated to advocating for increased funding for education, supporting our teachers, and ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to thrive. Furthermore, I am focused on revitalizing our local economy, creating job opportunities, and fostering sustainable growth. By supporting small businesses, promoting innovation, and attracting investments to our district, we can build a thriving economy that benefits all residents.

---

With a steadfast commitment to improving our energy efficiency, it is crucial for reducing our carbon footprint, lowering energy costs, and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment for all. I am passionate about promoting the freedom to adopt energy-efficient practices and technologies, paving the way for our long-term prosperity and well being.

---

Women's rights are human rights, and I believe that it is imperative to address issues of gender equality, empowerment and justice. I am committed to fighting for policies that eliminate discrimination, and protect reproductive rights. Every woman should have the autonomy to make decisions about her own body and access the healthcare services she needs without barriers and judgement.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 in 2024.

Michael Bedenbaugh

Party: Alliance Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "A Prosperity, SC native, Mike was born with a reverence for history, his state and his Nation. After dedicating five years to the US Navy aboard the USS South Carolina, Mike expanded his horizons by studying International Studies and History at both USC and Columbia University, New York. His initial foray into the corporate realm took him to New York, where he joined the product marketing firm Post No Bills, Inc. that collaborated with corporate powerhouses like Phillip Morris USA and RCA Records. In 1990, Mike moved the company headquarters to Prosperity SC and became CEO. Over the next decade, Mike, alongside his wife and business partner Doreen Sullivan, grew the company to include DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, and MGM and opened branch offices in Los Angeles and New York. During this time, he also played pivotal roles in local planning, preservation, and community service. After becoming President of Preservation SC in 2007, Bedenbaugh created and managed numerous programs that advanced the mission of PreserveSC while creatively addressing the challenges inherent in endangered historic properties. He was responsible for raising millions of dollars for Preservation Projects and saved dozens of historic properties through real estate successes that otherwise would have been lost. Mike was awarded the Order of the Palmetto for his work by Gov. Henry McMaster. He is currently a Realtor with SVN Blackstream and Christie's Blackstream International."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

Out of love for Country and Liberty, and the desire to ensure the elevation of solutions for the survival of our democratic Republic, I have posted my 95 Theses for a Free Republic. The theses below are posted in hopes to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism, to disempower global corporate hegemony, and offer structural mechanisms to mitigate their excesses so as to empower individual liberty of “we the people”.

---

I am for term limits for all federal officeholders. Reduce the size of House districts. Repeal the 17th amendment

---

Make our COMMUNITIES Great Again!

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 in 2024.

Voting information

See also: Voting in South Carolina

Election information in South Carolina: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 14, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 14, 2024
• Online: Oct. 14, 2024

Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

No

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 25, 2024
• By mail: Received by Oct. 25, 2024
• Online: N/A

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
• By mail: Received by Nov. 5, 2024

Was early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What were the early voting start and end dates?

Oct. 21, 2024 to Nov. 2, 2024

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When were polls open on Election Day?

7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (EST)

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

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.

Expand all | Collapse all

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?

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Out of love for Country and Liberty, and the desire to ensure the elevation of solutions for the survival of our democratic Republic, I have posted my 95 Theses for a Free Republic. The theses below are posted in hopes to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism, to disempower global corporate hegemony, and offer structural mechanisms to mitigate their excesses so as to empower individual liberty of “we the people”.

I am for term limits for all federal officeholders.

Reduce the size of House districts.

Repeal the 17th amendment

Make our COMMUNITIES Great Again!

Bryon Best (D)

I am dedicated to advocating for increased funding for education, supporting our teachers, and ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to thrive. Furthermore, I am focused on revitalizing our local economy, creating job opportunities, and fostering sustainable growth. By supporting small businesses, promoting innovation, and attracting investments to our district, we can build a thriving economy that benefits all residents.

With a steadfast commitment to improving our energy efficiency, it is crucial for reducing our carbon footprint, lowering energy costs, and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment for all. I am passionate about promoting the freedom to adopt energy-efficient practices and technologies, paving the way for our long-term prosperity and well being.

Women's rights are human rights, and I believe that it is imperative to address issues of gender equality, empowerment and justice. I am committed to fighting for policies that eliminate discrimination, and protect reproductive rights. Every woman should have the autonomy to make decisions about her own body and access the healthcare services she needs without barriers and judgement.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Foreign Policy and government ethics

Bryon Best (D)

Education, Economy, Gun Control/Safety, Medicare/Social Security and Affordable Housing

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Personal friends that I considered my hero's: my "Aunt" Becky (Myra Fellers) , My Mother, Marcus Fields, and Mike Monts along with George Washington, Wade Hampton, Bono, and people like: and anyone who stands up for truth in the face of Demagoguery is a hero! An attorney named Joseph Welch was in a session on June 9, 1954, when McCarthy charged that one of Welch's attorneys had ties to a Communist organization. As an amazed television audience looked on, Welch responded with the immortal lines that ultimately ended McCarthy's career: "Until this moment, Senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness." When McCarthy tried to continue his attack, Welch angrily interrupted, "Let us not assassinate this lad further, senator. You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency?"

Bryon Best (D)

I looked up to my father. I watched my father get up everyday, without a vehicle, hustle and work to provide food on the table for my family and I. He persevered through many circumstances including only have 70% of his heart. He instilled the core values that I abide by today.

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Honesty and bravery to face the responsibilities of representation head on.

Bryon Best (D)

1. Integrity: Elected officials must demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior at all times. Integrity is essential for building trust with the public and maintaining credibility. 2. Accountability: Elected officials should be accountable for their actions, decisions, and promises. They must be willing to answer to the public and take responsibility for their conduct.

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Honesty and strong Character

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Protect the Constitution

What legacy would you like to leave?

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Made my piece of the world a better place.

Bryon Best (D)

I aspire to leave a legacy of positive impact and inspiration. I hope to be remembered as someone who made a difference in the lives of others, whether through acts of kindness, making people laugh through my humor, or being a source of support and encouragement. I aim to leave behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, and empowerment, where my actions and words have helped other realize their potential and achieve their goals.

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

I barley remember Kennedy's assassination when I was three. I really remember the Moon landing when I was 8

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Working on my Family Farm. Until I joined the Navy.

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Direct representation of the people, and war powers.

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

It helps sometimes, but we need more citizen legislators.

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Blowback from bad foreign policy decisions.

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

yes...no more than 5 terms

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Absolutely! I pledge only two terms.

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

President Washington

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

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

YES...as long as the constitutional order is not compromised.

What committees interest you?

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

Agriculture

Appropriations Armed Services Budget Education and the Workforce Energy and Commerce Ethics Foreign Affairs Homeland Security Natural Resources Oversight and Accountability Rules Science, Space, and Technology Small Business Veterans’ Affairs Ways and Means Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Joint Committee on Taxation

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Michael Bedenbaugh (Alliance)

I will refer to a few of my 95 Theses:

A candidate for political office can only accept funds from individual citizens qualified to vote for them.(22)

A candidate for political office should be limited to how many years they can serve to ensure the public benefit is not compromised by the power accumulated for their self-benefit.(23)

The source of income by political candidates or office holders must be fully disclosed.(24)

Elected members of Congress must not partake in a retirement plan. They should receive Social Security like the rest of us.(25)

If the Senate maintains a filibuster rule, then the actual filibuster must take place and must adhere to the subject of legislation under debate.(27)

End the practice of omnibus bills: any bill constitutional amendment to distinguish “Natural Persons,” or individual citizens, from “Artificial personas,” or corporations.(87)

Amend the 14th amendment to read Natural Persons.(88)

Establishment of, and rigid enforcement of, antitrust laws in both the State and National marketplace with prioritized focus on media and medical conglomerates.(89)

Prohibition of federal law intervening in individuals right to self-medicate.(90)

Institute rank choice or approval voting for federal office.(91)

Prohibit straight ticket voting along party lines.(92)

Prohibit local/state/federal administrative support for political party primaries.(93)

Prohibit any natural person holding federal position (elected or employee) from joining the board of a corporation or hired as executive leadership in a corporation for a time period equal to their most recent time in office/employment.(94)

Prohibit any candidate or holder of federal or state elected office, or, any person who holds a regulatory position with state or federal government, from investing in publicly held corporations.(95)

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Bryon Best	Democratic Party	$46,624	$42,855	$3,769	As of October 16, 2024
Frances Guldner	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Sheri Biggs	Republican Party	$1,076,796	$972,710	$104,085	As of December 31, 2024
Kevin Bishop	Republican Party	$210,049	$209,549	$500	As of December 31, 2024
Mark Burns	Republican Party	$789,646	$788,435	$2,557	As of December 31, 2024
Franky Franco	Republican Party	$123,656	$123,656	$0	As of September 30, 2024
Philip Healy	Republican Party	$24,888	$24,888	$0	As of June 12, 2024
Stewart Jones	Republican Party	$307,145	$307,145	$0	As of November 19, 2024
Elspeth Snow Murday	Republican Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Michael Bedenbaugh	Alliance Party	$7,003	$542	$0	As of December 2, 2024
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2024. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024
Race tracker	Race ratings
	November 5, 2024	October 29, 2024	October 22, 2024	October 15, 2024
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in South Carolina in the 2024 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in South Carolina, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2024
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
South Carolina	U.S. House	Ballot-qualified party	N/A	$3,480.00	4/1/2024	Source
South Carolina	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	5% of the active, registered voters in the district	N/A	7/15/2024	Source

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

• District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
• Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2024 U.S. House elections in the state.
• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
• State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.

• District map
• Competitiveness
• Presidential elections
• State party control

Below was the map in use at the time of the election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2024

This section contains data on U.S. House primary election competitiveness in South Carolina.

South Carolina U.S. House competitiveness, 2014-2024
Office	Districts/ offices	Seats	Open seats	Candidates	Possible primaries	Contested Democratic primaries	Contested Republican primaries	% of contested primaries	Incumbents in contested primaries	% of incumbents in contested primaries
2024	7	7	1	29	14	4	5	64.3%	3	50.0%
2022	7	7	0	28	14	2	4	42.9%	4	57.1%
2020	7	7	0	20	14	3	2	35.7%	1	14.3%
2018	7	7	1	43	14	6	3	64.3%	2	33.3%
2016	7	7	0	17	14	1	2	21.4%	2	28.6%
2014	7	7	0	17	14	3	2	35.7%	2	28.6%

Post-filing deadline analysis

The following analysis covers all U.S. House districts up for election in South Carolina in 2024. Information below was calculated on April 23, 2024, and may differ from information shown in the table above due to candidate replacements and withdrawals after that time.

Twenty-nine candidates ran for South Carolina’s seven U.S. House districts, including 11 Democrats and 18 Republicans. That’s 4.14 candidates per district, more than the four candidates per district in 2022 and the 2.86 candidates in 2020.

The 3rd Congressional District was the only open district, meaning the incumbent did not file to run. The only other election cycle this decade when an incumbent did not run for re-election was 2018.

Incumbent Jeff Duncan (R-3rd) did not run for re-election because he is retired from public office.

Nine candidates—two Democrats and seven Republicans—ran for the open 3rd Congressional District, the most candidates that ran for a seat in South Carolina in 2024.

Nine primaries—four Democratic and five Republican—were contested in 2024, tying with 2018 for the most this decade.

Three incumbents—Nancy Mace (R-1st), Joe Wilson (R-2nd), and William Timmons (R-4th)—were in contested primaries.

Candidates filed to run in the Republican and Democratic primaries in all seven districts, meaning no seats were guaranteed to either party.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2024 elections, based on results from the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+21. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 21 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made South Carolina's 3rd the 36th most Republican district nationally.

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2020 presidential election would have been in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by Daily Kos.

2020 presidential results in South Carolina's 3rd based on 2024 district lines
Joe Biden	Donald Trump
30.6%	68.0%

Inside Elections Baselines

See also: Inside Elections

Inside Elections' Baseline is a figure that analyzes all federal and statewide election results from the district over the past four election cycles. The results are combined in an index estimating the strength of a typical Democratic or Republican candidate in the congressional district. The table below displays the Baseline data for this district.

Inside Elections Baseline for 2024
Democratic Baseline	Republican Baseline	Difference
29.5	68.8	R+39.2

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in South Carolina, 2020

South Carolina presidential election results (1900-2020)

• 16 Democratic wins
• 14 Republican wins
• 1 other win

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020
Winning Party	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	SR	D	D	D	R	R	R	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R

See also: Party control of South Carolina state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of South Carolina's congressional delegation as of May 2024.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from South Carolina
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	0	1	1
Republican	2	6	8
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	0	0
Total	2	7	9

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in South Carolina's top four state executive offices as of May 2024.

State executive officials in South Carolina, May 2024
Office	Officeholder
Governor	Henry McMaster
Lieutenant Governor	Pamela Evette
Secretary of State	Mark Hammond
Attorney General	Alan Wilson

State legislature

South Carolina State Senate

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	15
	Republican Party	30
	Other	1
	Vacancies	0
Total		46

South Carolina House of Representatives

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	35
	Republican Party	88
	Other	0
	Vacancies	1
Total		124

Trifecta control

The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.

South Carolina Party Control: 1992-2024
No Democratic trifectas  •  Twenty-two years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24
Governor	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
Senate	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
House	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2018.

2022

See also: South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 3

Incumbent Jeff Duncan won election in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jeff Duncan (R)	97.6	189,971
		Other/Write-in votes	2.4	4,598

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 194,569
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jeff Duncan advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3.

2020

See also: South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 3

Incumbent Jeff Duncan defeated Hosea Cleveland in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jeff Duncan (R)	71.2	237,544
		Hosea Cleveland (D)	28.7	95,712
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	308

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 333,564
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3

Hosea Cleveland defeated Mark Welch in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on June 9, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Hosea Cleveland	57.3	11,769
		Mark Welch	42.7	8,753

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,522
= 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

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jeff Duncan advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3.

2018

See also: South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 3

Incumbent Jeff Duncan defeated Mary Geren and Dave Moore in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jeff Duncan (R)	67.8	153,338
		Mary Geren (D)	31.0	70,046
		Dave Moore (American Party)	1.2	2,697
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	123

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 226,204
= 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 3

Mary Geren defeated Hosea Cleveland in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on June 12, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mary Geren	69.7	12,971
		Hosea Cleveland	30.3	5,630

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 18,601
= 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 3

Incumbent Jeff Duncan advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 3 on June 12, 2018.

		Candidate
✔		Jeff Duncan

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. 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.

See also

• South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Republican primary)

South Carolina	2024 primaries	2024 U.S. Congress elections
South Carolina congressional delegation Voting in South Carolina South Carolina elections: 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[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)

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