Who's running in South Carolina's 2nd congressional district
3 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
3 candidates · ballot order · Joe Wilson currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Promoting the 2025 tax law's permanent tax cuts, including no tax on tips, overtime or Social Security.
Backing local law enforcement and sheriffs.
Sanctions on Russia and Iran, through a bill named for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Earlier detection and treatment of chronic kidney disease, through his PREVENT ESRD Act.
'Peace through strength' and support for the military and veterans.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for South Carolina's 2nd District since December 2001.
Retired colonel, South Carolina Army National Guard.
Senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and member of the Armed Services Committee.
Won the June 9, 2026 Republican primary with about 75%; beat Democrat David Robinson II with 60% in 2024.
Endorsed by President Trump.
Arguments in favor
'I have institutional history and knowledge… I know the communities I represent… I understand the different needs that they may have concerning education, concerning jobs, concerning transportation.'
— Joe Wilson, to WIS
As a retired colonel and Armed Services Committee member, 'Joe knows the Wisdom and Courage that is required to Defend our Country, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Champion PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.'
— President Donald Trump, endorsement reported by the SC Daily Gazette
Arguments against
Being accessible 'is what the people of District 2 have been missing for a very long time — somebody accessible and willing to listen to their issues.'
— Zyon Khalifa, Democratic opponent, to WFXG
What we couldn’t verify
No DCCC material or detailed critique of Wilson's record by his opponent was found; the seat is considered safely Republican.
Whether the candidates will debate had not been reported.
Legislation protecting families' interests, resources and programmes.
Housing affordability, infrastructure, education, utility costs and job opportunities.
Being an accessible representative who listens to constituents.
Addressing issues shared across party lines: 'safe neighborhoods, a good education, a well-paying job.'
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Air Force, 38th Aerial Port Squadron at Joint Base Charleston.
Graduate of the University of South Carolina and Southern University Law Center.
Won the June 23, 2026 Democratic runoff with 53.8% over David Robinson II.
Has not held elected office.
Beat David Robinson II, a disabled Army combat veteran, in the June 23 Democratic runoff with 53.8%, after finishing second in the June 9 primary.
Has agreed to debate Wilson; date not announced as of September 7.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Khalifa could be found, so no arguments are listed for him (his own case is in his positions). Searched: 'Zyon Khalifa Joe Wilson', 'David Robinson Zyon Khalifa runoff' (his runoff opponent), Wilson campaign statements, and WIS, Post and Courier, WFXG, WRDW and ABC Columbia coverage; questions about his age have been raised by interviewers but not attributed to a critic.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
South Carolina held its primaries on June 9, 2026 and runoffs on June 23; November 3 is the general election, and there is no general-election runoff. The congressional map is unchanged for 2026: the South Carolina Supreme Court upheld it in September 2025, and a Trump-backed redraw passed by the state House after Louisiana v. Callais failed in the state Senate on May 26, 2026. Three candidates are certified as active on the State Election Commission's candidate tracking list: Republican incumbent Joe Wilson, who won his primary with about 75% over Sam Gibbons and Hamp Redmond; Democrat Zyon Khalifa, who beat David Robinson II in the June 23 runoff with 53.8%; and Workers Party candidate Dayna Alane Smith. The district runs from the Georgia border through all of Aiken, Barnwell and Lexington counties to northern Richland County and part of Orangeburg County. Wilson beat Robinson with 60% in 2024.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A South Carolina ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at South Carolina Election Commission.