Who's running in South Carolina's 4th 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 · William Timmons 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.
Working with President Trump 'to keep South Carolina strong and secure'.
'Common sense leadership that protects our values and delivers results.'
Serving one final term before returning home.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for South Carolina's 4th District since January 2019; beat Democrat Kathryn Harvey with nearly 60% in 2024.
Narrowly won the 2024 Republican primary over former state Rep. Adam Morgan after an affair scandal, losing Greenville County.
Won the June 9, 2026 Republican primary with about 68% over David Atchley and Robert E. Lee.
Endorsed by President Trump in October 2025.
Pledged in January 2026 not to seek reelection again if he wins this term.
Arguments in favor
The 4th District stands for 'common sense leadership that protects our values and delivers results', and 'I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to keep South Carolina strong and secure.'
— William Timmons, to The Post and Courier
He has the endorsement of President Trump, whose backing he leaned on heavily to win the primary.
— President Donald Trump's endorsement, as reported by the SC Daily Gazette and The Post and Courier
Arguments against
Timmons has been an absentee representative who does not focus on issues local to the district.
— David Atchley, Republican primary opponent, as reported by The Post and Courier
The district has not had a representative focused on affordability, health care, housing and stopping unwanted AI data centres, and 'someone who looks like me' can challenge a system that says otherwise.
— Courtney McClain, Democratic opponent, at her campaign launch reported by The Post and Courier
What we couldn’t verify
Timmons's campaign website could not be located.
No DCCC material targeting Timmons was found; the seat is considered safely Republican.
Expanding access to health care and making housing more affordable.
Investing in public schools and infrastructure.
Strengthening voting rights protections.
Stopping AI data centres opposed by local residents.
Rejecting super PAC and corporate PAC money.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Former president, South Carolina NAACP Youth and College Division.
Master's degree, Howard University (2025); bachelor's degree, University of South Carolina (2023).
Fannie Lou Hamer Government Relations Fellow with the Congressional Black Caucus Institute; former intern in Rep. Cori Bush's office.
Unopposed in the June 9, 2026 Democratic primary.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
'In this race, being a woman is not a weakness, being Black is not a setback, and being young does not mean that my experience counts any less.'
— Courtney McClain, campaign launch reported by The Post and Courier
Her campaign reached more than 10,000 residents early on, and she has worked directly with Spartanburg County council members on the data-centre issue residents care about.
— Courtney McClain, as reported by The Post and Courier
Arguments against
'While the Democrat on the ballot in November looks to radical progressives like AOC and Ilhan Omar, our families know what works.'
— William Timmons, Republican opponent, to The Post and Courier
What we couldn’t verify
McClain's campaign website and fundraising totals were not found.
Whether she received Rep. Jim Clyburn's endorsement, which she said she was seeking, was not established.
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 William Timmons, who beat David Atchley and Robert E. Lee with about 68% in the primary; Democrat Courtney McClain, unopposed in her primary; and Libertarian Jessica Ethridge. The district covers most of Greenville and Spartanburg counties and has been held by Republicans since 1993. Timmons has said this will be his last term if reelected. Timmons and McClain are scheduled to debate on October 8 on FOX Carolina.
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.