State House of Representatives District 45 in South Carolina State House District 45, South Carolina

2026 Primary Election

• Russell B Brazell — Incumbent Kershaw County Council - District 1 in Camden, SC

  Russell Brazell is a conservative businessman currently serving on the Kershaw County Council, District 1, through 2028. He is running as a Republican for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 45, in 2026. Brazell prioritizes protecting families, supporting small businesses, defending farmland, fighting deadly drugs, and restoring local control. He advocates for removing tax dollars from abortion facilities, opposing Critical Race Theory and the sexualization of children in schools, protecting Second Amendment rights, and opposing forced vaccinations. Brazell also aims to lower taxes, reduce state government size, and has pledged support for congressional term limits.

• Brandon Newton — Incumbent State House of Representatives in Lancaster, SC

  Brandon Newton is an incumbent South Carolina State Representative for District 45, first elected in 2017 at age 22, making him the youngest member of the General Assembly. A Republican, he is currently serving his fourth term. He teaches business at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, where he also earned his bachelor's degree before completing an MBA from Winthrop University. He advocates for public safety, veterans' support, economic growth, education (including school choice), infrastructure, and responsible fiscal policy. Living in Lancaster with his family, his political journey began in high school, leading to his election in college.

• Nicole W Ventour — Licensed clinical social worker and community advocate in SC

  Nicole Ventour is a Democratic candidate running for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 45, in the 2026 general election. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she holds a bachelor's degree from Medgar Evers College (2002) and a graduate degree from Yeshiva University (2007), having also attended California State University. Her professional background includes work as a licensed clinical social worker and community advocate. She is affiliated with the National Association of Social Works. The Democratic primary for her office in June 2026 was canceled, leading directly to the general election in November.