This special election to replace Rep. Nancy Mace in SC’s 1st District (Charleston to Beaufort Lowcountry) is heating up with 18 candidates—10 Republicans including Bluffton native Tyler Dykes, 7 Democrats, 1 Libertarian. Primary’s June 9, 2026; your coastal ties make this one to watch.
Tyler Dykes Spotlight
Retired Marine (Parris Island-trained air defense controller, Cornell attendee), Dykes leverages his Jan. 6 involvement—pleaded guilty to assaulting officers, served prison time, then Trump-pardoned. He frames it as pushing for 2020 election transparency, not violence, and slams media “neo-Nazi” labels.
Core Platform:
- Immigration: Mass deportations (non-violently), curb H-1B/work visas to boost US jobs.
- Economy/Housing: Slash prices, term limits (3 House/2 Senate terms).
- Transparency: Impeach ex-FL AG Pam Bondi over Epstein files; praises Mace’s doc-release push.
- Military/Vets: Amp support for SC troops/families, smoother civilian transitions.
Positions as decisive outsider: “Fight DC corruption like Jan. 6.” Youngest contender, patriotic vibe.
District leans GOP (Mace held it narrowly), so Republican primary’s the battle. Full field via scvotes.gov or FEC filings.
With your Lowcountry roots (Mount Pleasant/North Charleston), how’s this race landing locally—any frontrunners or issues like housing hitting home?
