CVSC-Endorsed Candidates Sweep Primary Elections
Columbia, S.C.—Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) celebrated a strong night for conservation in Tuesday’s primary elections, with every CVSC-endorsed candidate in a primary election winning their race outright.
Across 13 targeted State House primary races, CVSC and CVSC PAC supported candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to protecting South Carolina’s clean air, clean water, land conservation, and quality of life. The organization’s primary election program reached more than 51,000 voters across key races.
“Last night was a big win for conservation in South Carolina,” said Meagan Diedolf, President of CVSC. “ We took an intentional approach to defending incumbents who stood with us recently on one or more key conservation issues in the legislature. When they were challenged in primary elections, we stood with them, and it paid off.”
CVSC’s 2026 primary strategy focused on defending lawmakers who have shown leadership or partnership on conservation priorities, including supporting responsible growth, strengthening resilience, and advancing common-sense energy solutions.
“These results show that conservation is not a partisan issue,” said Diedolf. “South Carolinians want leaders who will protect the places we love, address the real challenges facing our communities, and work across party lines when it matters. We applaud every voter who made a plan, showed up, and voted to protect the South Carolina we love, and we look forward to continuing this work through the runoff elections where appropriate, and into the general election in November.”
CVSC believes that strong conservation leadership helps make South Carolina a better place to live, work, and do business. Leaders who prioritize clean water, healthy communities, responsible growth, and the protection of South Carolina’s natural assets help safeguard the state’s quality of life while supporting long-term economic prosperity.
Tuesday’s results underscore the growing importance voters place on thoughtful leadership that balances growth with stewardship of the resources that make South Carolina unique.
CVSC-Endorsed Primary Election Candidates:
- Rep. Neal Collins, Republican, House District 5, Pickens County
- Rep. Paul Wickensimer, Republican, House District 22, Greenville County
- Rep. Wendell Jones, Democrat, House District 25, Greenville County
- Rep. David Martin, Republican, House District 26, York County
- Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, Democrat, House District 31, Spartanburg County
- Rep. Travis Moore, Republican, House District 33, Spartanburg County
- Rep. Brandon Newton, Republican, House District 45, Kershaw and Lancaster Counties
- Rep. John King, Democrat, House District 49, York County
- Rep. Jason Luck, Democrat, House District 54, Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, and Marlboro Counties
- Rep. Chris Wooten, Republican, House District 69, Lexington County
- Rep. Hamilton Grant, Democrat, House District 79, Richland County
- Rep. Roger Kirby, Democrat, House District 101, Berkeley, Florence, and Williamsburg Counties
- Rep. Joe Bustos, Republican, House District 112, Charleston County