Republican Nurse Practitioner Wins GOP Nomination in South Carolina’s 3rd District

Sheri Biggs, a nurse practitioner and Air National Guard officer, emerged victorious in the Republican nomination for the U.S. House in South Carolina’s 3rd District, defeating her opponent, who identified himself as former President Donald Trump’s pastor. The upcoming November elections will see Biggs as a heavy favorite in the predominantly Republican district.

Biggs, supported by Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, secured a significant win over Mark Burns, a Black pastor who has been closely aligned with Trump. This victory marked Biggs’ first foray into political office, positioning her to potentially become the second Republican woman from South Carolina in Congress.

The seat became vacant after Republican Rep. Jeff Duncan opted not to seek re-election following personal issues. Biggs will face Democratic nominee Byron Best and Alliance Party candidate Michael Bedenbaugh in the November elections.

The race between Biggs and Burns highlighted their similar conservative views on key issues such as abortion, border security, and fighting inflation. While Burns took the lead in the primary, Biggs closed the gap during the runoff with a focus on bringing people together and defending conservative values.

Both candidates invested heavily in their campaigns, with Biggs loaning nearly $350,000 to her campaign and Burns taking out $500,000 in loans. The intense competition between the two also centered on their personal backgrounds and financial disclosures.

In a separate election in Lexington County, attorney Carlisle Kennedy unseated state Sen. Katrina Shealy, one of the Republican “Sister Senators” who opposed a near-total abortion ban in the state. Kennedy’s victory marked the end of Shealy’s 12-year tenure in the Senate, signaling a shift in political dynamics within the state.

Despite the setbacks, Shealy remains steadfast in her pursuit to hold accountable those behind the controversial abortion ban, showcasing her determination to continue advocating for her beliefs. With these developments, South Carolina’s political landscape continues to evolve, setting the stage for a heated campaign leading up to the November elections.