SEC announces timeline for replacement of Republican U.S. Senate candidate

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 13, 2026) – Following the death of the Republican Party nominee for U.S. Senate in the 2026 General Election, a special filing period and special primary will be held to replace the party’s nominee in accordance with S.C. Code of Laws 7-11-55. 

The filing period for candidates will open at noon on Tuesday, July 21, and close at noon on Tuesday, July 28. A special primary will be held on Tuesday, August 11, with a runoff, if necessary, held on Tuesday, August 25. The nominee selected through this process will appear on the 2026 General Election ballot.

“South Carolina law establishes a clear process for filling a vacancy in a party nomination,” said Conway Belangia, SEC Executive Director. “Election officials are prepared to administer that process and will continue working with county election officials to provide voters with timely information throughout each step.”

Important Dates and Deadlines 

• Deadline to Apply for an Absentee Ballot: Friday, July 31
• Early Voting for Special Primary: Wednesday, August 5, through Friday, August 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
• Special Primary: Tuesday, August 11
• Early Voting for Special Primary Runoff (if necessary): Wednesday, August 19, through Friday, August 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Statewide Special Primary Runoff (if necessary): Tuesday, August 25

Voters can find official election information and updates at scVOTES.gov.

South Carolina election officials prepare for November General Election

After South Carolina's June 23 primary runoff elections, South Carolina State Election Commission and county election officials are already preparing for the November General Election.

“Preparing for an election is a team effort that depends on the dedicated work of election officials and poll managers who support elections in communities across South Carolina," said Conway Belangia, SEC executive director.

Election officials will now complete the certification process required before results become official. As the primary runoff cycle draws to a close, election officials across South Carolina begin the months-long process of planning and preparation for November.

“Election Day is the most visible part of the election process, but the work continues long after the polls close,” said Belangia. “Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but it ensures voters have access to the information, resources and support they need before casting a ballot.”

In the months leading up to November, election officials recruit and train poll managers, prepare and test voting equipment, finalize election materials and provide voters with information about upcoming deadlines and voting options. State and county election officials work together throughout the election cycle to support the administration of elections in all 46 counties.

Voters can find election dates, registration deadlines, voting options and other election resources at scVOTES.gov. 

About the South Carolina State Election Commission

The South Carolina State Election Commission (SEC) is the state’s chief election authority, responsible for ensuring all elections are fair, impartial and accessible to every eligible voter. Working in partnership with county election officials, the SEC oversees voter registration, administers approximately 300 elections each year and provides guidance and resources to support secure and consistent election processes statewide. Guided by its mission to ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in elections with confidence that every vote counts, the SEC is committed to transparency, integrity and public trust. Learn more at scVOTES.gov.