Political Storm Brewing in South Carolina for 2026

South Carolina is gearing up for a tumultuous political year in 2026, with Charleston at the center of the storm. The upcoming elections promise to be a test of voters' patience and sanity, as both national and local races heat up. The 1st District congressional race is expected to be a battleground, with at least nine Republicans vying for the nomination after Congresswoman Nancy Mace steps down. This race could see a strong Democratic candidate emerge, making it more competitive than expected. Mace herself is eyeing the governor's mansion, but her path isn't clear-cut. She faces stiff competition from Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Congressman Ralph Norman. Her recent feud with the Charleston International Airport hasn't helped her chances. Local races are also heating up, with school board and county council seats drawing intense scrutiny. The school board, which has seen significant gains under a conservative majority, faces challenges from candidates backed by the Lowcountry Conservative Club. Flipping even one seat could drastically alter the board's direction.Charleston County Council is also in for a rough ride, with conservative challengers backed by state Sen. Matt Leber aiming to unseat incumbent Republicans. Meanwhile, Democrats are eyeing a comeback in some districts, which could shift the balance of power. The upcoming transportation sales tax referendum is another hot-button issue. County leaders need the tax to continue funding road improvements and greenspace acquisition, but they face a skeptical electorate. With growth outpacing improvements, convincing voters to support the tax won't be easy. The city of Charleston hopes to use part of the tax for a peninsula seawall, but county officials worry this could backfire, much like the 526 extension referendum in 2024. Both sides have 11 months to make their case, but it won't be a pleasant debate. With so much at stake, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of political turmoil in South Carolina. Voters will need to stay informed and critical to navigate the challenges ahead.