During the campaign, Sanford had a significant fundraising advantage over Horne. During their sole debate the two expressed contrasting views on Donald Trump with Sanford saying that “I think he says some things which are very, very strange. Some of which are destructive.” with Horne saying that “I think what Donald Trump is appealing to is the anger and frustration that a lot of us feel in the U.S...”[2]
Results
Horne polled stronger than expected with Sanford receiving 56% of the vote to Horne's 44%.[3]
The 2nd district is located in central South Carolina and spans from Columbia to the South Carolina side of the Augusta, Georgia metropolitan area. The incumbent is Republican Joe Wilson, who has represented the district since 2001. The Democratic and Green Party nominee is Arik Bjorn. The district has a PVI of R+16.
The 3rd district is located in western South Carolina. The incumbent is Republican Jeff Duncan, who has represented the district since 2011. The district has a PVI of R+18.
The 4th district is located in Upstate South Carolina. The incumbent is Republican Trey Gowdy, who has represented the district since 2011. The district had a PVI of R+15.
Republican primary
After Gowdy declined to run for House Majority Leader following the announcement of the resignation of Speaker of the HouseJohn Boehner, in 2015, John Fleming, a Republican Congressman from Louisiana, told reporters that Gowdy would not run for reelection in 2016. Gowdy's office denied the report,[6] and said that Gowdy had "every intention" of running in 2016.[7]
The 5th district is located in northern South Carolina. The incumbent is Republican Mick Mulvaney, who has represented the district since 2011. The district has a PVI of R+9.
The 6th district is located in central and southern South Carolina. The incumbent is Democrat Jim Clyburn, who has represented the district since 1993. The Green Party nominee is Prince Charles Mallory. The district has a PVI of D+21.
The 7th district is located in northeastern South Carolina. The incumbent is Republican Tom Rice, who has represented this district since 2013. The Democratic and Green Party candidate is Mal Hynam. The district has a PVI of R+7.