Governor Endorses White, West in S.C. House Races

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Leading up to Tuesday’s South Carolina Primary, Gov. Henry McMaster is endorsing House Dist. 6 candidate Kyle White of Anderson who is running against incumbent S.C. Rep. April Cromer and S.C. House Dist. 7 Incumbent Rep. Jay West, who is running against Freedom Caucus Candidate Lee Gilreath in the Republican primary.

"Kyle White is a strong conservative and dedicated Republican,” said McMaster in his statement of support. “Kyle will fight to protect life, keep our communities safe, cut taxes, and support law enforcement and veterans. Most importantly, Kyle is focused on the people of Anderson County and will deliver on his promises."
Of West, McMaster said: “Jay West has worked hard to make South Carolina safer, better, and more prosperous. And we need him now more than ever. I ask you: Please return Jay West to the State House - for our future.”

The move marks the first time McMaster has endorsed primary candidates as governor. In addition to White, the governor is endorsing two other candidates running against members of the Freedom Caucus, Adam Crisp, who is challenging incumbent S.C. Rep. Rob Harris in Spartanburg Dist. 36 and Jason Shamis, who is opposing incumbent S.C. Rep. Josiah Magnuson in Spartanburg Dist. 38.

McMaster also endorsed Sheri Biggs, a candidate for the U.S. House Dist. 3 seat left vacant by the departure of Rep. Jeff Duncan. At least one other candidate in that crowded race, S.C. Rep. Stewart Jones of Laurens, is a Freedom Caucus founding member.

Meanwhile, S.C. Rep. Anne Thayer, Dist. 9, joined S.C. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette endorsed incumbent S.C. Rep. Don Chapman against his Freedom Caucus challenger Sherry Hodges.

As of Friday, 4,748 voters had cast early ballots for the primary. The 2022 primary turnout in Anderson County was 15.1 percent of eligible voters.