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 fourth set. Read the first set using this link. Read the second set using this link. Read the third set using this link.

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

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

1. Why are you running? I am a long-time resident of Lexington County and tired of seeing career politicians get into office to just promote themselves or special interests. If elected, I will serve the residents of district 96 period. They will be my number one priority.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: Yes. 2012-2020 for the same reasons as listed above. The difference is now I have the time to devote to a campaign where I did not in the past.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: I am semi-retired. I have owned and operated Twin Builders for the last 27 years. We install doors and windows in Lexington County. Before that, I was a state mediator for the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, where I mediated labor contracts between organized labor and management.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? I believe the answer to #3 has a lot to do with my qualifications along with my willingness to serve the residents of district 96.

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? I think one of the biggest issues in our district is infrastructure and growth. Our secondary roads are a mess. We need to work on concurrency laws/regulations so that we stop piling more burden on already failing roads and overcrowded schools. We have to plan the future; not just let it happen.

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? Taxes. We need to continue to lower income taxes and work on reducing property taxes, especially for seniors.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. See my answer to #5.

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? I help my neighbors when they need help. Not just next door. Personally, and through my business.

9. Anything else you want to add? My campaign is about three issues. 1. Honesty - I will never tell you something I do not believe. 2. Integrity - If I tell you I believe something, it means for me too. I believe in term limits. Therefore, I will not serve more than three terms if elected. 3. Respect - I respect the law and I respect you. That is why I will never place one of my campaign signs anywhere that I do not have permission. By placing signs on every street corner, a person is disrespecting the property owner and violating the law. Lexington County ordinance 26.40 paragraph C.

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

1. Why are you running? I have spent my adult life serving others from the United States Marine Corps to the streets of South Carolina as a state trooper, and now in the State House fighting for District 69. I will remain focused on solving the working class's real problems: improving infrastructure, supporting law enforcement, cutting taxes and protecting conservative values. Real life experience matters when you're making decisions for over 5 million people in S.C. At a time when Lexington County faces rapid growth and critical decisions, I will continue to be a positive voice in an all-too-divided world.

2. Have you run for political office before? If so, explain: Only in my current position. I ran because I was tired of someone representing us that isn't in touch with reality and the daily struggles of a small business or blue-collar families.

3. Current job/profession, or if retired, past job/profession: After serving in the Marines and South Carolina Highway Patrol, I became a small business owner right here in our community. After owning for many years and then selling Topspin Racquet and Swim Club, I founded The 911 Handyman, focusing on home repairs and small remodeling projects, and purposely employing veterans and first responders who need supplemental income.

4. What makes you qualified for the seat? I am qualified because I have worked as a federal employee, a state employee, owned a couple of small businesses and have raised a family. I know what it takes to get up before 5 a.m. every day for over 25 years, just to make sure that my family is provided for.

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? 1. RAPID GROWTH AND SMART DEVELOPMENT. We deserve managed, responsible growth that puts community needs first. We need to continue to grow "responsibly," all while not shutting down our community. ROADS & TRAFFIC are always a concern, and the recent modernization of DOT that we just passed is going to make huge strides in this process. People are moving here because of our SCHOOLS, and I will continue to fight to keep them great. PUBLIC SAFETY. The projected cost of crime in Lexington County for 2025 is nearly $170 million, approximately $568 per resident. My continued support of law enforcement and first responders will remain a priority

6. What successes have you seen in the area that you want to build on? I have been a sponsor and co-sponsor of many recently passed laws to include; tax relief with cutting income tax to 5.2%, and on a path to zero; transportation and infrastructure with working through the SCDOT Modernization Bill to reform the entire DOT process; protecting first responders as the original sponsor of the Halo Act designed to protect law enforcement and first responders from lawful obstruction; child safety with sponsoring and passing the Revenge Porn Bill to protect our children and actively push House Bill H.4807 to crack down on child predators.

7. Any plans to address infrastructure? If so, explain. Lexington County is one of the fastest growing communities in South Carolina, and our roads, intersections and schools are struggling to keep up. We must deal with intersection safety, congestion and pavement quality. Rapid development has outpaced infrastructure improvements, creating congestion and safety concerns. Growth must pay for itself. You can't drive for 10 minutes in any direction without seeing an orange cone. 30 years of neglect cannot be corrected overnight, but work is on the way

8. Are you actively involved in the community? How so? I developed Cross Training Ministries nearly 20 years ago, and it is still alive today, molding young people on solid Christian values, while using athletics as a platform. I also serve on several boards and organizations, including the SC Suicide Prevention Board, the opioid abuse prevention team, the Lake Murray Visitors Board and the Lexington Chamber of Commerce.

9. Anything else you want to add? If it weren't for Jesus Christ and the Marine Corps, I would be in the penitentiary or dead. I have spent over 40 years serving others. From the Mill Hill (where I grew up) to Capitol Hill (where I represent you), my values have always stayed the same: show up, work hard and put others first. I did not come to public service looking for a career. I came because Lexington County is home, and I have always tried to answer the call. My race is based on results and always being available to my constituents. People over politics EVERYTIME.