South Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2026
← 2024
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South Carolina's 7th Congressional District |
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General election |
Election details |
Filing deadline: Pending |
Primary: Pending General: November 3, 2026 |
How to vote |
Poll times:
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Race ratings |
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending 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, 2026 |
See also |
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th South Carolina elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 |
All U.S. House districts, including the 7th Congressional District of South Carolina, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7
Incumbent Russell Fry and John Vincent are running in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
![]() | Russell Fry (R) | |
![]() | John Vincent (D) ![]() |
![]() | ||||
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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.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I'm John Gregory Vincent, a 20-year Navy veteran who served as Command Master Chief, a small business owner, and a leadership expert running to represent South Carolina's 7th Congressional District. Raised in a working-class family, I understand the challenges facing everyday Americans. My military career taught me the importance of putting country before self and fighting for my team - values I'll bring to Congress. After retiring from the Navy, I built a successful small business, giving me firsthand experience with the challenges entrepreneurs face. I'm running because I believe we need more common sense and less chaos in Washington. My campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, strengthening our economy for working families, and keeping our promises to veterans. I'm not interested in partisan games - I'm interested in delivering results for the people of SC-07."
Voting information
- See also: Voting in South Carolina
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
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.
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John Vincent (D)
Building an Economy That Works for Everyone - I'll champion tax relief for working families, support job creation through partnerships with community colleges, cut red tape for small businesses, invest in infrastructure, and work to make healthcare more affordable.
Keeping Our Promises to Those Who Served - As a Navy veteran, I'll fight to improve VA healthcare, expand veterans housing programs, enhance education and job training benefits, support veteran-owned businesses, and increase services for military families.

John Vincent (D)

John Vincent (D)

John Vincent (D)
Integrity means being honest with your constituents even when the truth is difficult or unpopular. It means standing by your principles and making decisions based on what's right, not what's politically expedient. In the Navy, we lived by a code of honor, and I believe our elected officials should be held to that same standard.
Accountability is essential in public service. Officials must take responsibility for their decisions and be transparent about their motives and actions. The people of South Carolina's 7th District deserve a representative who will answer to them, not to special interests or party leadership. As I've emphasized in my campaign, we need to restore accountability to Washington.
Service is at the core of my life's work. An elected official must remember that they work for the people, not the other way around. This position isn't about personal gain or power – it's about improving the lives of those you represent. My campaign message of 'Common Sense over Chaos' reflects my commitment to practical, service-oriented leadership.
Additionally, I believe elected officials need empathy to truly understand the diverse needs of their constituents, courage to make difficult decisions when necessary, and the wisdom to know when to stand firm on principles and when to find common ground. These are the qualities I've tried to embody throughout my career, and they're what I'll bring to Congress if elected to represent SC-07."
John Vincent (D)

John Vincent (D)

John Vincent (D)

John Vincent (D)
In the military, I learned how to lead diverse teams through complex challenges, make difficult decisions under pressure, and put mission and country above self-interest. These are precisely the skills needed in Congress today. As Command Master Chief, I was responsible for the welfare and effectiveness of hundreds of sailors, managing substantial resources, and implementing policies from higher command while advocating for those under my leadership—experiences that parallel the representative's role of implementing laws while advocating for constituents. As a small business owner, I've experienced firsthand the impact of government policies on job creation, regulatory compliance, and economic growth. This perspective is crucial when crafting legislation that affects American businesses and workers.
What Congress often lacks isn't political experience—it has plenty of career politicians. What it needs more of is practical leadership experience, common sense, and the ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds and viewpoints to accomplish shared goals. It needs people who understand the real-world implications of policies on families, businesses, and communities.
That said, I recognize the value of understanding legislative processes and government operations. That's why I'm taking the time to study how Congress works and build relationships with experienced public servants who can provide guidance. I believe my leadership background, combined with a willingness to listen listen and learn, will allow me to be effective from day one.
John Vincent (D)
First, we face the challenge of rebuilding an economy that truly works for everyone. The growing divide between the wealthy and working families threatens our national cohesion and economic stability. We need to create an economy where hard work is rewarded with fair wages, where small businesses can thrive without being crushed by red tape, and where every American has access to affordable healthcare. This means investing in job training programs that prepare workers for high-demand industries, supporting infrastructure projects that create good jobs while improving our communities, and ensuring that tax policies benefit the middle class, not just the wealthy.
Second, we must address the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, particularly in coastal communities like ours in SC-07. Climate-related challenges will require significant investments in disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and emergency response capabilities. As someone who has criticized my opponent for voting to defund critical FEMA programs, I understand that preparing for these challenges isn't partisan—it's practical.
Third, we need to heal the dangerous political division that threatens our democracy. The extreme partisanship in Washington has paralyzed our ability to solve problems and eroded public trust in government. As a military leader, I learned that accomplishing the mission requires bringing people together despite their differences. We need to restore civility and compromise to our political discourse while still standing firm on core principles.
John Vincent (D)

John Vincent (D)

John Vincent (D)

John Vincent (D)
Throughout my career, I learned that accountability isn't just a buzzword—it's essential to effective leadership and mission success. In Congress, I'll bring that same commitment to ensuring our government works for the people, not special interests.
Financial transparency is non-negotiable. Taxpayers deserve to know exactly how their hard-earned money is being spent. I support strengthening disclosure requirements for government spending at all levels and making this information readily accessible to the public. Too often, wasteful spending is hidden in massive, complex legislation that few have time to read. This practice must end.
Government accountability extends beyond finances. It means ensuring that agencies fulfill their missions effectively and efficiently. It means elected officials answering directly to their constituents, not party leadership or donors. And it means having the courage to admit mistakes and correct course when necessary.
Unlike my opponent, who has contributed to Washington's dysfunction through extreme partisanship, I'll work to restore trust in our institutions through common-sense reforms that increase transparency and accountability. This includes supporting bipartisan efforts to strengthen ethics rules, limit the influence of special interests, and ensure that government agencies like FEMA are properly funded and held accountable for delivering results.
In the military, we lived by a code of honor and accountability. I believe our government should operate by those same principles. If elected, I'll fight every day to make sure that happens."
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Campaign finance
Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
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Russell Fry | Republican Party | $454,013 | $331,213 | $683,983 | As of June 30, 2025 |
John Vincent | Democratic Party | $39,116 | $24,972 | $14,143 | As of June 30, 2025 |
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. 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." |
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.[1]
- 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.[2][3][4]
Race ratings: South Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2026 | |||||||||
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Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
9/2/2025 | 8/26/2025 | 8/19/2025 | 8/12/2025 | ||||||
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending | |||||
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
This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.
District history
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.
2024
See also: South Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2024
South Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 11 Democratic primary)
South Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (June 11 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7
Incumbent Russell Fry defeated Mal Hyman in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Russell Fry (R) | 64.9 | 240,326 |
![]() | Mal Hyman (D) | 35.0 | 129,522 | |
Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 481 |
Total votes: 370,329 | ||||
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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 7
Mal Hyman defeated Daryl Scott in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7 on June 11, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Mal Hyman | 50.8 | 12,617 |
![]() | Daryl Scott | 49.2 | 12,218 |
Total votes: 24,835 | ||||
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Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Russell Fry advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7.
2022
General election
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7
Russell Fry defeated Daryl Scott in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Russell Fry (R) | 64.8 | 164,440 |
![]() | Daryl Scott (D) ![]() | 35.1 | 89,030 | |
Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 395 |
Total votes: 253,865 | ||||
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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
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Daryl Scott advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Ryan Norris (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7 on June 14, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Russell Fry | 51.1 | 43,509 |
![]() | Tom Rice | 24.6 | 20,927 | |
![]() | Barbara Arthur ![]() | 12.3 | 10,481 | |
![]() | Ken Richardson | 7.1 | 6,021 | |
![]() | Garrett Barton ![]() | 2.5 | 2,154 | |
![]() | Mark McBride | 2.0 | 1,676 | |
![]() | Spencer Morris ![]() | 0.5 | 444 |
Total votes: 85,212 | ||||
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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
- Tom Dunn (R)
- William Bailey (R)
- George Kite (R)
- Jeanette Spurlock (R)
- Justin Davison (R)
- Steve Reichert (R)
- Graham Allen (R)
- Louis Bushay (R)
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for U.S. House South Carolina District 7
No candidate advanced from the convention.
Candidate | ||
Keenan Dunham (L) | ||
![]() | Larry Guy Hammond (L) |
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2020
General election
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7
Incumbent Tom Rice defeated Melissa Watson in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 7 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Tom Rice (R) | 61.8 | 224,993 |
![]() | Melissa Watson (D) ![]() | 38.1 | 138,863 | |
Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 235 |
Total votes: 364,091 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7
Melissa Watson defeated Robert Williams and William Williams in the Democratic primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7 on June 9, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Melissa Watson ![]() | 51.2 | 27,200 |
![]() | Robert Williams | 41.3 | 21,923 | |
![]() | William Williams ![]() | 7.5 | 3,965 |
Total votes: 53,088 | ||||
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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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Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Tom Rice advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House South Carolina District 7.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Dewon Huggins (R)
District analysis
This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.
See also
South Carolina | 2026 primaries | 2026 U.S. Congress elections |
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Voting in South Carolina South Carolina elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 |
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. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018