State House of Representatives District 96 in South Carolina State House District 96, South Carolina

2026 Primary Election

• Vivian L Elston — Candidate for State House of Representatives in SC

  Vivian Elston is a Democratic Party candidate running for the South Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 96. She is seeking election in the 2026 election cycle, with the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Elston advanced to the general election automatically after the Democratic primary, originally set for June 9, 2026, was canceled. There is no incumbent in this race. Public information regarding her professional background, specific policy positions, campaign themes, or endorsements is not yet available, nor has she completed a candidate survey detailing her stances.

• Perry Finch — Semi-retired small business owner in SC

  Perry Finch, a Republican, is campaigning for a seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 96, in the 2026 primary election. A long-time resident of Lexington County, Finch is semi-retired after operating Twin Builders, a door and window installation company, for 27 years. Prior to that, he worked as a state mediator for the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Finch states he is running to serve the residents of District 96, citing a desire to move past "career politicians" who he believes prioritize special interests. He has previously sought political office between 2012 and 2020.

• Hunter N Hackett — Candidate for South Carolina House of Representatives in SC

  Hunter Hackett is a Republican candidate seeking election to the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 96. He is currently on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for June 9, 2026. Hackett is one of three Republicans vying for the nomination in District 96, competing against Perry Finch and Scotty Whetstone. Should he advance from the primary, he would face Democratic candidate Vivian Elston in the general election on November 3, 2026. His campaign emphasizes that District 96 deserves a representative who will work hard and stand firm for its constituents.

• Scotty R Whetstone — Candidate for State House of Representatives in Pelion, SC

  Scotty Whetstone is a Republican candidate for the South Carolina House of Representatives, aiming to represent District 96 in the 2026 election. He is campaigning on a platform that includes a commitment to supporting congressional term limits, having signed a pledge to advocate for an Article V convention for this purpose. Whetstone's political background includes a previous candidacy for a school board position in Lexington County and reported service on a county council, suggesting experience in local governance. He is focused on bringing a strong and caring voice to the State House for his constituents.