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
• Midlands Tech (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 is publishing weekly question-and-answers ahead of June 9 as candidates running to represent Lexington County send in requested answers.

Below is the third set. Read the first set using this link. Read the second set using this link.

Each of the following candidates’ names will be on primary ballots.



Scotty Whetstone, running for State House of Representatives, District 96 (this seat represents only Lexington County)

1. Why are you running? I'm running because I love this community, and I'm tired of seeing our needs pushed to the back burner. District 96 deserves someone who listens, shows up, and fights for the basics - safe roads, fair taxes, strong schools, and support for the people who make this place home. I'm stepping up because I believe we can do better, and I'm ready to work for it.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: Yes. I served eight years on Lexington County Council. That experience taught me how government really works - and how to get things done for the citizens who live here.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I work as the Supervisor of Infrastructure Operations in Fiber Engineering at Dominion Energy. Every day I deal with planning, operations, and large-scale infrastructure - the same kinds of issues our district struggles with.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? I've spent years working with infrastructure, budgets, and policy, both professionally and in public service. I understand the challenges families face because I live them too. I know how to talk with people, not at them, and I know how to turn concerns into action. That's what this job requires and the citizens desire.

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? Our biggest issues are failing infrastructure, high taxes, and a lack of support for farmers and schools. These aren't new problems - they're just problems no one has fixed. On day one, I plan to introduce bills focused on infrastructure repair, tax relief, and real help for agriculture and education. District 96 has waited long enough and I’m ready to fight for the citizens.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? During my time on County Council, we brought more infrastructure funding to this end of the county than ever before. That showed me what's possible when leadership stays focused. I want to build on that momentum and keep pushing for results.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. Yes - immediately. I plan to file an Infrastructure Act on day one that pauses all special-interest spending until our roads are repaired and we have a clear, accountable plan with timelines and a real budget. Infrastructure has to come first.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? Absolutely. I stay out in the district, attend local events, support small businesses, and make myself available to the people I hope to represent. I believe leaders should be visible and accessible, not hidden away. I eat, sleep and live to help better this community.

9. Anything else you want to add? District 96 deserves leadership that's honest, steady, and focused on people - not politics. I'm running to bring common sense back to Columbia and to fight for the families, farmers, teachers, and small businesses that make this community what it is. District 96, buckle up; I’m ready to ride and fight hard to improve our community.



Jason Guerry, running for Lexington County Council, District 7 (this seat represents Seven Oaks, parts of Irmo and parts of Lexington)

1. Why are you running? I’m running because Lexington County needs leaders who will finally put infrastructure and planning first. Families are frustrated with worsening traffic, overdevelopment, and roads that haven’t kept up with growth. I’m running to bring common-sense leadership and make sure we plan responsibly before approving more growth.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: I have not previously held elected office, but I’ve been involved in local politics and community issues for many years, including helping on campaigns and working with local organizations and youth sports.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I’m a small remodeling business that operates in Central Midlands area. I’ve spent years working directly with homeowners, contractors, and local families across our community.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? As a business owner, I understand budgeting, planning, and solving problems. I’ve spent my career creating jobs, managing projects, and working with people. I’m not a career politician — I’m someone who understands the real frustrations residents deal with every day.

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? The biggest concerns I hear are traffic, uncontrolled growth, and infrastructure falling behind. County Council has approved growth without a real long-term plan for roads and infrastructure. I want to focus on tying development to infrastructure capacity, improving road planning, and making sure growth doesn’t negatively impact existing residents and neighborhoods.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? Lexington County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We’ve seen strong economic growth and investment, and I want to build on that success while ensuring we protect the character of our communities and improve quality of life for residents.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. Yes. Infrastructure is one of the main reasons I’m running. We need a proactive approach to roads, traffic management, and long-term planning instead of constantly reacting after problems get worse.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? Yes. I’ve been involved in youth sports, community events, local political organizations, and volunteer efforts for many years. Staying connected to the community is important to me.

9. Anything else you want to add? I’m running to bring practical, results-driven leadership to County Council. I want residents to know I’ll listen, work hard, and focus on the issues that directly impact their daily lives. I would be honored to receive your support and vote in Republican primary on June 9th.



Glen Conwell, running for Lexington County Council, District 8 (this seat represents West Columbia, parts of Lexington and parts of Oak Grove)

1. Why are you running? To be voice for the residents of the community and help make a difference.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: Yes. I served 12 years Lexington Two School Board and I am currently serving on Lexington County Council.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I am the owner and operator of Conwell’s Meat Market.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? I believe public service means listening to residents and being accessible and working hard to solve problems.

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? There are many things that can be improved and I can work on from addressing traffic needs to supporting the families, schools and local businesses, as well as encouraging responsible growth and planning. In my district, I have two municipalities and I will continue to work close with each one.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? I will continue planning for responsible growth in this area.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. I am always willing to plan for infrastructure, infrastructure that I can control, like essential services, EMS, fire services and the sheriff's department services. I always am looking to keep them up-to-date and keep the citizens safe.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? I’m a member of the Pineview Ruritan organization.

9. Anything else you want to add? I pride myself for always being available to the community and I’m willing to help in anyway.



John Allen, running for State House of Representatives, District 69 (this seat represents only Lexington County)

1. Why are you running? I am a through-and-through conservative. I will not waver. I have been a grassroots activist in Lexington County and statewide. I have developed relationships that will allow me to get things done. District 69 deserves a representative who doesn’t just talk the talk, they deserve a conservative who will fulfill their promises.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: I am the former 3rd Vice Chairman of the Lexington County Republican Party. This is my first run for public office.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I am a small business owner. I own and operate Momma Rabbit’s Nibbles and Sips restaurant as well as Little Bunny Frou Frou’s Boutique alongside my siblings.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? I have an in-depth knowledge of the issues, I have been active in our community and I will lead on conviction and not unnecessary compromise.

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? South Carolina is considered to be one of the first or second fastest-growing states in America. Lexington County is one of the top in our state in that growth. Our infrastructure and roads have lacked behind the development. Our district needs a representative who will not only successfully push concurrency legislation but also openly advocates ensuring that our district has responsible growth. Our Department of Transportation needs real reform.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? The County Council has made improvements on quality of life issues in Lexington County and fallen short on some others. I want our state to be a partner in further improvement.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. We must address the process. South Carolinians have been imposed gas tax increases to increase roads and infrastructure. Lawmakers refuse to address the necessary funding in the budget. Local government needs to be more involved in fixing our infrastructure but that won’t happen unless we address the Department of Transportation and reforming it.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? I have been involved in many issues in our community. Those include hurricane relief efforts, standing up against unconstitutional COVID-19 mandates and leading efforts against the Smallwood development. In addition, I have been one of the most active and vocal in organizing the grassroots for our important conservative issues.

9. Anything else you want to add? Our community is conservative. While the incumbent talks a good game, his record is something different. I will stand strong. I will do what I said I will do. I am looking forward to the support of the people of our district and am your open door.