The statewide primary is on June 9, 2026. The statewide general election is on Nov. 3, 2026.

The early voting period for the statewide primary starts on Tuesday, May 26, and ends on Friday, June 5, but polls are closed on Saturday and Sunday and on state holidays. Early voting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here are early voting locations in Lexington County for the statewide primary:

• County Voter Registration Office: 605 West Main St., Suite C, Lexington, S.C. 29072
• Midlands Technical College (Irmo): 7300 College St., Irmo, S.C. 29063
• West Columbia Community Center: 754 B Ave., West Columbia, S.C., 29169
• Midland Tech College (Batesburg-Leesville): 423 College St. Batesburg-Leesville, S.C., 29070
• Gaston Town Hall: 131 North Carlisle St., Gaston, S.C., 29053
• Chapin Town Hall: 157 North West Columbia Ct., Chapin, S.C. 29063

“Voters can visit any early voting center in their county during the early voting period, present their Photo ID, and vote using the voting system like they would at their polling place on election day,” according to the state election commission website.

Forty-nine have filed to run in the 2026 General Election for seats representing Lexington County. For a complete list, visit this link. 

The Lexington County Chronicle will be publishing question-and-answers in the coming weeks from area candidates running to represent Lexington County.

Below is the first set. Each of these candidates’ names will be on primary ballots.

Sam Gibbons, running for U.S. House of Representatives, District 2 (this seat represents Lexington, Aiken and Barnwell counties, along with parts of Richland and Orangeburg counties)

1. Why are you running? I'm running to return congressional power to where it belongs: with the people.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: This is my first campaign for public office.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I currently serve as an educator in the Future Soldier Preparatory Course program. Previously, I served as a high school social studies teacher and as a Marine.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? I meet all constitutional qualifications, and I have dedicated my life to serving my country. I am driven not by desire for money or power, but by a commitment to serve my country and community.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them? As the direct voice for our community in Washington, this seat is responsible for addressing rising costs resulting from the Iran conflict and tariffs, as well as the deep mistrust many feel toward our government. I want to reclaim the powers of Congress ceded to the executive branch and rebuild faith in the system with education, transparency, and by remaining accessible to every constituent.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? Our area possesses significant advantages, including its strategic location and its status as the home of Fort Jackson. I aim to build on this foundation by supporting military and veteran families, ensuring resilient infrastructure, expanding higher education opportunities, and maintaining affordability for all residents.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. District 2 is a critical crossroads for the southeast. Its rapid growth in business and population means there is a clear need for robust investment in its infrastructure; however, any plan must involve both experts and local citizens. I will communicate, as appropriate, with all parties as we determine how to leverage our geography and preserve the qualities that make District 2 an ideal place to raise families.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? I am engaged in community organizing with 50501SC as part of the leadership team. In this capacity, I’ve built partnerships with community organizations across the political spectrum and helped organize and lead rallies of thousands aimed at bolstering civic engagement in the Midlands and across the state.

9. Anything else you want to add? My campaign represents the next generation. We are tired of career politicians and broken promises. My website, Gibbons4sc.com, details my commitment to the principle of servant leadership. I will listen to the people, hold Washington accountable, and work for District 2 families.

Zyon Khalifa, running for U.S. House of Representatives, District 2 (this seat represents Lexington, Aiken and Barnwell counties, along with parts of Richland and Orangeburg counties)

1. Why are you running? I’m running because I grew up in this district and have seen both its potential and its challenges. Too often, everyday concerns, jobs, education, and infrastructure, are overlooked due to political division. I want to be a representative who listens, shows up, and works across the aisle to deliver real results.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: No. I believe fresh perspectives are necessary to address long-standing issues, and I’m committed to bringing energy and accountability to public service.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I am an Air Force veteran and a lawyer, with experience primarily in public service and civil litigation.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? My background reflects a commitment to service. As a veteran, I bring discipline and leadership. As a lawyer, I’ve advocated for individuals and families and worked within complex systems to achieve fair outcomes. My work in civil rights, child advocacy, and community mentorship has given me a practical understanding of the challenges people face and how to address them effectively.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them? This district faces limited economic opportunities, underfunded schools, infrastructure gaps, and difficulty retaining young talent. I will support infrastructure investment, workforce development, and improved education funding while working with local leaders to expand opportunity.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? We have strong communities and growing local businesses. I want to build on that by supporting small businesses and ensuring development benefits everyone.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. I support investing in roads, broadband, and utilities, especially in rural areas, to improve quality of life and economic growth.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? I’ve worked with the American Civil Liberties Union and Alliance for Children's Rights, served as a Camp Kemo counselor supporting children with cancer, created an initiative connecting underserved communities to professional opportunities, spoken at local high schools, and volunteered with track teams.

9. Anything else you want to add? I’m committed to representing people, not politics, and delivering meaningful, lasting change.

Tommy Paradise, running for State House of Representatives, District 86 (this seat represents Aiken and Lexington counties)

1. Why are you running? I believe that I can continue Bill Taylor’s legacy of conservative values and constituent service.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: No

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: Current position is Planning Director in municipal government. Former county administrator and retired public safety officer.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? I have spent my career as a public servant providing almost 5 decades of service in various sectors. I have seen firsthand the impact of illegal drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues on our communities. I have recruited industrial development, pushed forward transportation projects, balanced a county budget, and addressed many of the growth issues affecting our communities.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them? Protecting our way of life by protecting the rural character of the district, standing and supporting farmers against over regulation and development and ensuring responsible growth. Supporting local business and economic growth by keeping taxes low and cutting unnecessary regulations. Promoting economic growth will bring investment and jobs to the district. Cut taxes and wasteful spending by fighting for responsible budgeting, eliminating wasteful spending, and working to lower the tax burden on families, seniors, and local businesses. I’m committed to keeping our communities safe by supporting law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS. Taking a strong stand against dangerous drugs and protecting our neighborhoods. Infrastructure that keeps up with development. Improve roads and traffic flow, expand and strengthen water, sewer, and critical infrastructure. Make sure that new development pays its fair share of the improvements, so the costs are not passed on to existing taxpayers.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? The quality of the rural and small-town life.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. Infrastructure is a necessity for jobs and homes. I support its expansion in areas of District 86 where development is appropriate. Development infrastructure should be paid for by the developers.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? Elder in my church.

John Lastinger, running for State House of Representatives, District 88 (this seat represents only Lexington County)

1. Why are you running? I had been asked by people to run, but I had no intention of filing for the 2025 Special Election until God spoke to my heart. We have gotten too far away from our roots, our Judeo-Christian value system, and the principles that made our nation great when God helped our Founding Fathers craft our Constitution.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: I won the Special Election at the end of 2025 and was sworn in this January 2026. I also ran for this seat in 2020, after Mac Toole retired, and finished third out of five candidates.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I am still pastor at The Edge Church, where I have served for 48 years. I am also a member of the State House for the past four months.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? The voters put me here because they know me and my family. We’ve been part of this community our whole lives, and their values are my values. I’m consistent, work well with others, and focus on solving problems. I’ve earned trust and shown commitment.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them? We need better stewardship and accountability in our state budget. Schools, roads, and rising costs of living and insurance are major concerns. We need to manage government more efficiently and get it out of areas where it doesn’t belong.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? South Carolina should continue building on common sense values that support life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I support building on the federal success of putting America First and will continue putting South Carolina first. We need to protect our state from foreign threats while promoting our American and South Carolinian values.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. I’ve co-sponsored bills to make farming easier for young people and to manage growth the responsible way by requiring infrastructure first before development. I also voted to lower property taxes on seniors who’ve already paid for infrastructure, and to allow land owners to have wells instead of forced city water. I’m also working with SCDOT on several road issues in our district, including paving and traffic signals for safety and flow.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? My wife, Robbie, and I grew up here. I’ve pastored for decades and my dad before me. My wife has worked in Lexington One and Two. I’ve coached baseball, led SC National Day of Prayer, served with City Elders and as an Executive Committeeman. I founded Edge Christian Academy and Edge Christian Childcare to support families.

9. Anything else you want to add? I’m a bridge builder. There’s too much division in the legislature, and we can accomplish more by working together for the good of our citizens. I am the same person at the State House, at home, at church, and anywhere I go.

Cammie Campbell, running for Lexington County Probate Judge

1. Why are you running? I'm running because l've dedicated more than 30 years to the Probate Court system and have seen firsthand how important it is for families to have a court that is efficient, accessible, and compassionate during difficult times. I want to use my experience to ensure the court continues to serve the people of Lexington County with professionalism, clarity, and care.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: No, this is my first time running for public office.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I currently serve as a Senior Paralegal, with prior roles including Senior Estate Clerk, Director of Commitment, and Guardianship and Conservatorship Clerk within the Probate Court system.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? My 30+ years of hands-on experience in Probate Court set me apart. I have worked closely with judges, attorneys, and families in nearly every aspect of the court's operations. I understand both the legal and administrative sides of the court and bring a steady, knowledgeable, and compassionate approach to the role.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see, and how will you improve them? One of the biggest challenges is ensuring timely processing and clear communication. I will focus on improving efficiency, streamlining filings, and implementing secure digital access systems for attorneys and professionals to reduce delays and better serve the public.

6. What successes do you want to build on? Lexington County has a strong foundation of public service and a court system that is respected across the state. I want to build on that by enhancing efficiency and accessibility while maintaining the high level of professionalism the community expects.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? Yes-modernizing court operations through secure digital systems will improve access, reduce backlog, and allow approved users to access records more efficiently, similar to systems used in other counties.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? Yes. My career has been centered on serving the community through the court system, and my family and I are actively involved through our church, farm, and local connections.

9. Anything else you want to add? This role requires experience, patience, and compassion. I'm committed to serving with integrity and ensuring the Probate Court remains responsive to the needs of our community.

Brian Eckstrom, running for Lexington County Probate Judge

1. Why are you running? I am running for Probate Judge because this is work I have deliberately prepared for throughout my career. Probate Court handles some of the most sensitive moments in people’s lives—loss, guardianship, and protection of vulnerable individuals—and I believe it requires both compassion and strong legal judgment. I want to serve Lexington County with fairness, efficiency, and professionalism.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: No, this is my first time running for public office. My focus until now has been on building the legal experience and courtroom judgment necessary to serve effectively.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I am currently an attorney with Moore Bradley Myers and a former prosecutor. My background includes extensive courtroom experience, case management, and working closely with families during difficult circumstances.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? Probate Court is a court of law, and its decisions carry lasting legal and personal consequences. My legal training and years of courtroom experience allow me to interpret and apply the law correctly, manage complex cases, and ensure due process for all parties. I believe this professional foundation is essential to serving the public effectively in this role.

5. What challenges/concerns do you see in the area the seat you're running for represents, and how do you intend to improve them? One of the primary challenges is ensuring timely case resolution while maintaining careful attention to detail. Delays can create real hardship for families. I would prioritize efficient case management, clear communication, and accessibility while maintaining the high standards the court requires.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? Lexington County has a strong court system and a growing community that values public service. I want to build on that by continuing to improve efficiency, transparency, and public trust in the Probate Court.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. While Probate Court is not directly responsible for large-scale infrastructure, I support continued investment in court technology and administrative systems to improve efficiency, reduce backlog, and enhance public access to services.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? Yes, I am actively involved in the community through my legal work and local engagement. My career has centered on serving people in this community, and I am committed to continuing that service in a broader capacity.

9. Anything else you want to add? I am committed to serving with integrity, fairness, and respect for every individual who comes before the court. This role is about public trust, and I take that responsibility seriously.