The 2024 South Carolina Senate election was held on November 5, 2024, alongside the 2024 United States elections. Primary elections took place on June 11, 2024.
The political parties certified in South Carolina for the 2024 elections include the typical Republican and Democratic parties, chaired by Drew McKissick and Christale Spain, respectively. Additionally, several third-party candidates are running for state senate elections:
After longtime Republican incumbent Hugh Leatherman died in November 2021, a special election was held to fill his seat to represent Florence, South Carolina, in the Senate. A Republican primary was held on January 25, and a special election was held on March 29.
Democratic incumbent Marion Kimpson resigned May 11, 2023, after an appointment to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Democratic primary was held on September 5, a Democratic runoff was held on September 19, and the special election was held on November 7.
Incumbent John L. Scott Jr. died August 13, 2023, from blood clot complications. A special election was held on January 2, 2024.
Five incumbents did not seek re-election.
Three incumbent senators, one Democrat and two Republicans, were defeated in the June 11 primary election. One more incumbent senator, a Republican, was defeated in the June 25 primary runoff election.
Four incumbent senators, all Democrats, were defeated in the general election. One more incumbent senator, a Republican, was defeated in the June 25 primary runoff election.
District 1 covers parts of Oconee and Pickens Counties. Incumbent Thomas C. Alexander ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election. If reelected, it will be his eighth full-term and mark over 30 consecutive years in the Senate.
District 2 is contained within Pickens County. Incumbent Rex Rice ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election for a third term.
District 3 consists of Northern Anderson County. Republican incumbent Richard Cash sought a second full term, while Democrat and mental health counselor, Jessicka Spearman, sought to unseat him in the general election.
Incumbent Michael Gambrell ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election.
Incumbent Tom Corbin ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election.
Incumbent Shane Martin ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election.
Incumbent Harvey S. Peeler Jr. ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election.
Incumbent Ronnie Cromer ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election.
Incumbent Darrell Jackson (politician) ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and the general election.
Incumbent Republican Katrina Shealy ran for re-election, but was defeated in the Republican primary. Shealy had drawn national attention during the previous legislative session when she joined with the chamber's other female senators, including two other Republicans, in a filibuster of a proposed total abortion ban. Her actions drew the ire of the state Republican party, leading to her primary challenge, which she lost in a runoff.
Incumbent A. Shane Massey ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election.
During the 2021 decennial reapportionment, Democratic incumbents Nikki G. Setzler and Dick Harpootlian were drawn into the same district. Setzler, the longest serving state senator in office in the country, has chosen to retire rather than seek a thirteenth term. State Representative Russell Ott defeated Dick Harpootlian for the Democratic nomination while Jason Guerry defeated Chris Smith for the Republican nomination.
Incumbent Republican Penry Gustafson ran for re-election, but was defeated in the Republican primary. Gustafson had drawn national attention during the previous legislative session when she joined with the chamber's other female senators, including two other Republicans, in a filibuster of a proposed total abortion ban. Her actions drew the ire of the state Republican party, leading to her primary challenge, which she lost.
Incumbent Stephen Goldfinch ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election.
Incumbent Larry Grooms ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election.
Incumbent Sean Bennett ran unopposed in the Republican primary and the general election.
District 40 covers Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, and Orangeburg counties. Incumbent Brad Hutto has held the seat since 1996. If he retains the seat, it will mark his eighth full term. Bamberg Democrat Kendrick Brown has filed to challenge him in the primary, and Bamberg Republican Sharon Carter has filed to challenge the winner in the general election.
Incumbent Republican Sandy Senn ran for re-election, but was defeated in the Republican primary. Senn had drawn national attention during the previous legislative session when she joined with the chamber's other female senators, including two other Republicans, in a filibuster of a proposed total abortion ban. Her actions drew the ire of the state Republican party, leading to her primary challenge, which she lost.
Incumbent Margie Bright Matthews ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and the general election.