South Carolina voters narrow candidates for governor and Senate

South Carolina voters on Tuesday will narrow the field in Republican and Democratic primaries for governor and U.S. Senate. Republican candidates have highlighted their support for the current president. The president endorsed the lieutenant governor in the governor's race and the incumbent senator in the Senate race.

Governor's race The lieutenant governor is seeking to win the Republican nomination outright and avoid a June 23 runoff. Other Republican candidates include a member of Congress and a self-funded businessman. Democratic candidates for governor include a state representative and two political newcomers. Democrats have not won a statewide race in South Carolina in 20 years.

Senate race The incumbent senator is seeking the Republican nomination for a fifth term. Primary challengers include a Greenville businessman who has described himself as an "America First" candidate. Democratic candidates for Senate include a physician and a former House candidate. The most recent Republican Senate nominee won by 10 percentage points in 2020.