South Carolina voters returned familiar leaders to office in Tuesday’s statewide election. Click here to see election results. Of note:
- GOP Gov. Henry McMaster won a second term, trouncing Democratic challenger Joe Cunningham and setting himself up to be the state’s longest-serving governor. In another closely-watched statewide race, non-educator GOP candidate Ellen Weaver bested Lisa Ellis to be the state’s new state superintendent of education.
- U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., won a lopsided victory over Democratic state Rep. Krystle Matthews, who also lost her S.C. House seat.
- First District U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of Daniel Island beat challenger Annie Andrews of Mount Pleasant and Sixth District Rep. Jim Clyburn will head to the House for his 16th term.
- In other Charleston area races, the GOP took the majority on Charleston County Council after Joe Boykin beat longtime council member Anna Johnson. And Charleston County voters elected a new school board. Reelected as probate judge was Irv Condon, while Democratic newcomer will be the county’s new register of deeds. The county also will have at least two new S.C. House members.
In other headlines:
Red wave doesn’t materialize. Nationally, a “red wave” promised by Republicans didn’t come as Democrats picked up a U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania. Control of the House likely will go to the GOP, although several races are still too close to call. As of this morning, five Senate seats remained in contention, but Democrats seemed slightly favored, which would keep the Senate in the party’s control.
Tropical Storm Nicole heads for Florida. The storm is expected to become a hurricane that will eventually skirt through the middle of the Palmetto State. What to expect in South Carolina.
Legislature to try to tweak state’s abortion law again. The state legislature’s conference committee on a stronger abortion ban will meet one last time today to try to get a compromise.
Lowcountry seeks more foster parents for teens. Local foster parents say caring for foster children can seem like a daunting undertaking, but it can change lives. And that, they say, makes fostering more than worth it.
Black Southern art exhibit to debut in January at IAAM. Unsettled Things: Art from an African American South, a collection of 44 contemporary pieces of art from 28 artists, will make its national debut Jan. 21 as the inaugural special exhibition for the International African American Museum in Charleston.
Charleston-area bands to play at City Paper Music Awards. About a dozen bands will play at the City Paper Music Awards show next Tuesday at the Music Farm in Charleston. Tickets are $15.
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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