A close race in rural South Carolina’s Senate district has become even tighter following a recount.
Gerald Malloy, a former state senator from South Carolina and a familiar face in Democratic politics, is weighing the option of formally contesting his recent defeat. Malloy, who marketed himself as a budget-friendly Democrat, lost to Republican candidate JD Chaplin in the hotly contested election for Senate District 29. This district serves all of Marlboro County and parts of Chesterfield, Darlington, Lee, and Sumter counties.
Chaplin emerged victorious by a narrow margin, winning by just 278 votes from nearly 50,000 cast, as reported during the initial tally. Because the vote difference was less than one percent, a recount was mandated.
On November 14, 2024, the recount results were released, confirming Chaplin’s win but showing an even smaller margin. Chaplin secured 24,838 votes, while Malloy received 24,751—only an 87-vote difference. This was a notable shift from the last election in which Malloy defeated Chaplin by over 3,200 votes.
Interestingly, in Lee County, the recount saw a noteworthy swing towards Malloy, who gained 59 additional votes while Chaplin lost 129.
Here’s how the breakdown looks across the counties:
- Chesterfield:
- Chaplin: 2,334 (down 13)
- Malloy: 2,721 (down 13)
- Darlington:
- Chaplin: 15,968 (up 2)
- Malloy: 12,735 (up 3)
- Lee:
- Chaplin: 1,245 (down 129)
- Malloy: 3,397 (up 59)
- Marlboro:
- Chaplin: 4,782 (no change)
- Malloy: 5,085 (up 2)
- Sumter:
- Chaplin: 509 (no change)
- Malloy: 813 (no change)
In total, Chaplin received 24,838 votes while Malloy garnered 24,751, resulting in a total of 49,642 votes cast.
State election officials are still investigating the discrepancies in Lee County, but the South Carolina Board of Canvassers certified the official results on Friday. If Malloy wishes to contest the election outcome, he has until November 19, 2024, to file a protest. These complaints must be lodged within 25 days of the official results.
Gerald Malloy, who has had a substantial political career since 2002 and is known for his legislative skills, was one of four rural Democrats to lose their seats in this election. This outcome indicates a significant shift in the political landscape of the South Carolina Senate.
