State House of Representatives District 61 in South Carolina State House District 61, South Carolina

2026 Primary Election

• John C Bember — Candidate for State House of Representatives in SC

  Pete Bember, also identified as John, is a Democratic Party candidate seeking election to the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 61. He is slated to appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary, which is scheduled for June 9, 2026. In this primary contest, Bember is running against fellow Democratic candidate Carol Goodman.

• Carol J Goodman — Candidate for State House of Representatives in SC

  Carol Goodman is a Democratic Party candidate running for election to the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 61. She is set to appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary on June 9, 2026. She is competing against Pete Bember in this primary race. The general election for the District 61 seat is scheduled for November 3, 2026. The provided information does not include details regarding her professional background, policy positions, or personal motivations for running.

• David A Herndon — Small business owner in Mount Pleasant, SC

  David Herndon is a local businessman running for the South Carolina State House. His top priorities include solving traffic congestion and advocating for a reform agenda that features term limits for lawmakers, tougher ethics laws, streamlined agency operations, and budget reform to prioritize public schools and vital needs. He emphasizes his small business experience, owning a pine straw and mulch installation and sales company, and aims to offer public service with a "people over politics" approach. He presents himself as an "Average Joe" and not a career politician, drawing on his experience as a former Chairman of the Kershaw County Republican Party and a past nominee for the SC House in 2008.

• Carla M Schuessler — Incumbent State House of Representatives, District 61 in Columbia, SC

  Carla Schuessler is an incumbent member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, currently serving District 61. She assumed office in November 2022 and is seeking re-election in the 2026 South Carolina Primary Election, having advanced from the Republican primary due to its cancellation. Her platform focuses on key community needs, including advocating for children's education and directing more funds to classrooms, addressing infrastructure challenges such as road improvements, and ensuring tax dollars are spent locally. Schuessler is also committed to enhancing public safety, mitigating flooding, improving recreational facilities, and supporting military personnel by reducing their tax burden through the elimination of income taxes on retirement funds for active and retired service members.