2 political newcomers won last Tuesday’s Lexington County Council Republican primary races.

Semi-retired businessman Gene “Bimbo” Jones beat another newcomer, Joel Tyson, in District 5 in south Lexington and Red Bank and will face Democrat Bobby Porter in November.

Educator Charli Wessinger beat former County Council Chairman Johnny Jeffcoat in District 6 in Chapin and Irmio. She has no Democratic opposition.

Jones had 2,424 votes (61%), and Wessinger had 3,556 votes (57%).

Jones, who works as a tire retailer, favors more support for first responders and conservative spending.

Wessinger aims to protect the county’s environment through zoning, changing development standards and rethinking the county’s landfill service.

Lexington County voters gave Sheriff Jay Koon 70% of the June 9 primary vote.

Challenger David Arnold had 29.79%.

Other winning incumbents in the county’s voting included US Sen. Lindsey Graham, Congresman Joe Wilson, SC Senators Ronnie Cromer and Shane Massey.

Incumbent SC Rep. Kit Spires was upset by challenger Ryan McCabe.

McCabe had 54.77% of the vote to Spires 45.23%.

US Sen. Lindsey Graham won 64.45% of the county’s votes.

His challengers Michael LaPierre won 14.64%, Joe Reynolds 13.61% and Duke Buckner 7.30%

Congressman Joe Wilson won 70.71% to Springdale Mayor Michael Bishop’s 29.29%.

State Sen. Ronnie Cromer won 51.85% to challenger Charles Bumgardner’s 48.15%.

State Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey won 75.52% to challenger Susan Swanson’s 24.48%.

In SC Senate District 26 Chris Smith had 68.05% to Perry Finch’s 31.95%.

In SC House District 88, no candidate won a majority.

Mike Sturkie won 34.60% of the vote, RJ May 24.54%, John Lastinger 17.19%, Brian Duncan 13.93% and Eddie McCain 9.73%.

According to scvotes.org, 38,371 ballots were cast.