Rock Hill, South Carolina. Mallory Dittmer, a York County business owner and community leader, has announced her candidacy for South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, promising to bring “a new chapter of unity, liberty, and prosperity” to the region.
“South Carolina is ready for a new generation of leadership,” she declared. “Congress is full of party-obsessed politicians who have split the most patriotic country in the world. They should be replaced in 2026.”
Dittmer, a former fashion industry executive and small business entrepreneur, co-founded Community Advocates for Public Education York County, a nonpartisan organization that supports public schools. In 2024, she assisted with municipal campaigns that won seven of nine races.
“As a small business owner, mom of two, and wife of a public school teacher, I see the impact of divisive leadership every day,” she told me. “It’s time to restore unity and common sense in Washington.”
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman will run for governor in 2026, leaving the seat available. Lancaster, York, Chester, Union, Fairfield, Lee, Kershaw, Cherokee, and portions of Spartanburg and Sumter counties make up the 5th District.
Dittmer joins Democrat Andrew Clough in the race, and Republicans State Sen. Wes Climer and Bill Bledsoe have also announced runs.
