Mark Smith and Jenny Honeycutt are projected to advance to a runoff for the Republican nomination in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ. The two candidates emerged from a crowded GOP field and will now compete to succeed outgoing Rep. Nancy Mace, who fell short in her bid for the state’s gubernatorial nomination.
Honeycutt, a lawyer and small business owner, has served on the Charleston County Council since 2018. Her campaign has focused on securing the border, cutting federal spending, and accelerating infrastructure projects. She is positioning herself as a conservative outsider with local government experience.
Smith, who has represented South Carolina’s 99th House district since 2020, succeeded Mace in that seat. He is the owner and president of McAlister-Smith Funeral Homes and the Avinger Funeral Home. Smith’s legislative record and business background are central to his campaign.
Both candidates are now vying for the open House seat, as Mace’s gubernatorial run fell short on Tuesday. The race has drawn national attention, though President Trump has not weighed in on the contest.
The Democratic primary is also headed to a June 23 runoff, where former Navy Adm. Nancy Lacore and veteran Mac Deford will face off. Lacore, a retired admiral, has drawn attention for her national security credentials, while Deford emphasizes his military service and local roots.
Early voting in the GOP runoff runs from June 17 to 19, with voting centers open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. The final day to cast a ballot is June 23, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT.
Political analysts view the GOP runoff as decisive for the general election. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates Mace’s seat as solidly Republican, meaning the winner of the GOP primary is heavily favored in November.
For more on the Democratic primary, see Fired Admiral Lacore Advances to Runoff in SC Democratic Primary for Mace Seat.
In other South Carolina races, the governor’s contest is also heading to a runoff. See Evette vs. Wilson: South Carolina Governor Race Heads to Runoff.
Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham secured the GOP Senate nomination without a runoff. Read more in Lindsey Graham Secures South Carolina GOP Senate Nomination, Avoiding Runoff.
