After Spencer Wetmore’s win in House District 115’s special election earlier this month, South Carolina Democrats are feeling emboldened going into the peak of election season. While Representative-Elect Wetmore will once again be on the ballot this November, her race is not the only one that South Carolina voters should keep their eyes on. Below we’ve listed the top five competitive House races to watch on November 3rd.
District 114 (Charleston and Dorchester Counties) – Ed Sutton vs. Lin Bennett
House District 114 is expected to be the main battleground for state Democrats and the GOP this November as Republican incumbent Lin Bennett faces a tough challenger in Ed Sutton, a former Air Force pilot and small business owner. Bennett has largely had a forgettable career since being elected to the House in 2016, with the exception of her endorsement of Qanon, a web-based conspiracy group that has been deemed by the FBI as a domestic terrorism threat. Just one year ago, The Daily Beast reported on Bennett’s affiliation with the online organization, with the Lowcountry representative calling the group “legit” and claiming “they haven’t been wrong.” I’m sure the people who have been stabbed and kidnapped by Qanon members would beg to differ, but the case still stands that both state parties will be watching this race very closely.
District 116 (Charleston and Colleton Counties) – Chardale Murray vs. Carroll O’Neal
After twenty years in office, Democratic Representative Robert Brown decided not to run for reelection this year. This has left Democrats fighting to maintain his seat come November but luckily they have a strong candidate for the job. Chardale Murray, a Hollywood Town Council Member, won the Democratic primary with fifty-eight percent of the vote in a four-way race in June, setting her up to be a formidable foe to Republican candidate Carroll O’Neal. You might remember O’Neal from his run against Robert Brown in 2018…and 2016…and 2014. Republicans are hoping that the fourth time’s the charm with O’Neal while Democrats are encouraged by Murray’s local name recognition and commitment to progressive issues.
District 112 (Charleston County) – Daniel Brownstein vs. Joe Bustos
Similar to the case in District 116, Republican Representative Mike Sottille is stepping away from his long-time seat and leaving a vacuum that both Republicans and Democrats are aiming to fill. Republican candidate Joe Bustos is a retired U.S. army officer and Mount Pleasant councilman, while Democratic candidate Daniel Brownstein is an experienced marketing and communications director. Both candidates are strong and state their commitment to issues that their Lowcountry constituents care deeply about, such as conservation efforts and education reform. We believe this race will be a close one so make sure to pay attention this November.
District 110 (Charleston County) – Rebecca Cingolani vs. William Cogswell, Jr.
In 2018, Democrats thought that they would finally flip House District 110 with Charleston attorney Ben Pogue. Two years later, we know that this didn’t happen and we see Pogue mounting a strong campaign for Charleston County Solicitor, but that doesn’t mean all is lost for Lowcountry Democrats hoping to secure this seat. Now, Rebecca Cingolani is attempting to take on Republican incumbent William Cogswell who assumed office in 2016. Cingolani is a mother and career-oriented professional with years of consulting experience who has financially advised working-class citizens and small businesses alike. The Democratic candidate believes she provides District 110 a “fresh wholesome perspective” while supporters are heartened by her ability to communicate with voters in unique ways, such as through her podcast.
House District 75 (Richland County) – Rhodes Bailey vs. Kirkman Finley III
The Lowcountry isn’t getting all of the attention this November. The race between Republican incumbent Kirkman Finley and Democratic challenger Rhodes Bailey in Richland County is another must-watch as election day draws closer. Bailey, a local attorney, won a close primary in June and has wasted no time since then connecting with constituents and outlining the differences between him and his Republican competitor. Even before his primary win, Bailey was fighting for South Carolina voters as he joined a DCCC lawsuit in April that demanded the South Carolina Supreme Court expand voters’ ability to vote by mail in the primary and general election due to concerns around COVID-19. Democrats are hopeful that Bailey can edge out incumbent Finley and secure another blue seat in the State House.