Key takeaways from South Carolina's 2024 statehouse elections

With the national spotlight on the 2024 election, results from the South Carolina Statehouse have flown under the radar. Here are some key takeaways from the election and its impact on the Statehouse:

Flipped Senate Seats:

• Senate District 17: Republican Everett Stubbs defeated incumbent Democrat Mike Fanning.
• Senate District 29: Republican J.D. Chaplin defeated incumbent Democrat Gerald Malloy.
• Senate District 36: Republican Jeff Zell defeated incumbent Democrat Kevin Johnson.
• Senate District 39: Republican Tom Fernandez defeated incumbent Democrat Vernon Stephens.

These changes further shift the balance in the Senate, with Republicans increasing their majority. Prior to the election, Republicans held 30 seats compared to 16 for Democrats and Independents. With four additional seats, Republicans will have 34 seats, while Democrats will hold 12.

Flipped House Seats:

• House District 102: Republican Harriet Holman defeated incumbent Democrat Joe Jefferson.

Overall, the balance in the House remains largely unchanged, with the final, unofficial count tentatively standing at 88 seats for Republicans and 36 for Democrats.

Additionally, South Carolina voters approved a ballot measure amending the state constitution to require that only a U.S. citizen (rather than every citizen) may vote. The measure received approximately 86% of the vote with about 96% of counties reporting. To see the full results of national, state, and local elections, visit the South Carolina Election Commission’s website.