South Carolina Election Results 2026: Senate Upset, New Governor and Major Lowcountry Decisions
From a closely contested congressional race to major transportation and school funding votes, here’s what the November 3 election means for Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina voters delivered significant results in Tuesday’s November 3 general election, choosing new statewide leadership while making decisions that could shape infrastructure, schools and local government throughout the Lowcountry.
By Wednesday morning, several major races had been called, while South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District remained too close to declare a winner.
Here are the most significant developments for Charleston-area residents.
Annie Andrews Wins South Carolina’s U.S. Senate Race
Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews is projected to defeat Republican interim Senator Darline Graham in a major statewide upset.
The Associated Press called the race for Andrews Tuesday night, according to reporting by Live 5 News.
Andrews’ victory marks a significant change in South Carolina’s representation in Washington, with Democrats winning a Senate seat in the state after decades of Republican success.
The election results remain unofficial until certified.
Alan Wilson Wins South Carolina Governor’s Race
Republican Alan Wilson is set to become South Carolina’s next governor, succeeding Henry McMaster.
Democratic challenger Jermaine Johnson conceded the race Tuesday evening.
The result brings new leadership to the governor’s office after McMaster’s lengthy tenure.
Wilson previously served as South Carolina’s attorney general.
District 1 Congressional Race Remains Too Close to Call
One of the Lowcountry’s most closely watched races remains unsettled.
Democrat Nancy Lacore held a narrow lead over Republican Jenny Costa Honeycutt in the race for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
According to reporting by Ian Kayanja of ABC News 4, with approximately 98% of votes counted around midnight, Lacore led 49.5% to 48.8%.
Libertarian Bill Reeside accounted for approximately 1.6%.
The margin between the two leading candidates was fewer than 2,500 votes, raising the possibility of a recount.
No final winner had been established as of the overnight reporting.
Further counting and official election procedures will determine the final outcome.
Charleston County Approves Transportation Sales Tax
Charleston County voters approved a major transportation funding referendum, giving local officials a new long-term revenue source for road, infrastructure, transit and preservation projects.
According to reporting by Madison Wilber of ABC News 4, more than 60% of voters supported the measure.
The tax is projected to raise approximately $4.25 billion over 25 years.
The proposal follows the defeat of an earlier transportation referendum in 2024. Unlike the previous plan, the new proposal excludes the Interstate 526 Mark Clark Extension project.
The funding decision will affect transportation planning and infrastructure priorities throughout Charleston County.
Charleston County Council Sees a Major Upset
Democrat Charles Glover appeared to defeat Republican incumbent Joe Boykin in a closely contested Charleston County Council race.
With all precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Glover receiving approximately 49.8% of the vote, compared with Boykin’s 47.8%.
ABC News 4’s Ian Kayanja reported the result early Wednesday morning.
Democrat Jaxie Ferguson also won the District 9 County Council race against Republican Adam Friend, according to the same report.
The outcomes signal changes in the county’s elected leadership, although results remain subject to certification.
Dorchester County Voters Approve School Funding Referendum
Voters in Dorchester County approved a one-cent education sales tax intended to support school construction, renovations and improvements in Dorchester School Districts Two and Four.
According to reporting by Jane Caroline Fusco of ABC News 4, unofficial results with all precincts reporting showed:
- Yes: 31,643 votes, or 59.96%
- No: 21,128 votes, or 40.04%
The tax is expected to begin April 1, 2027, and remain in place for up to 15 years.
Under the proposal, 85% of proceeds will go to Dorchester School District Two and 15% to District Four.
The measure is projected to generate approximately $692 million over its lifespan, providing resources to address growing enrollment, aging school buildings and other capital needs.
What Happens Next?
Although several major races have been called and ballot measures have received majority support, November 3 election returns remain unofficial until certification.
Additional ballot processing, canvassing and any required recounts may affect close races.
Charleston-area voters should particularly watch the unresolved 1st Congressional District contest and the implementation of newly approved local funding measures.
What’s Going On In Charleston will continue monitoring official election information and reporting important developments affecting the Lowcountry.
Election Results and Reporting Sources
- South Carolina Election Commission — 2026 General Election Results
- Live 5 News — South Carolina Election Results
- ABC News 4 — District 1 Congressional Race
- ABC News 4 — Charleston County Transportation Referendum
- ABC News 4 — Charleston County Council Results
- ABC News 4 — Dorchester County Education Sales Tax
Reporting reflects information available Wednesday morning, November 4, 2026. Election results are unofficial until certified.
