The race follows Gov. Henry McMaster's appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to serve on an interim basis through January 2027. Voters will elect a senator this fall to begin serving a full six-year term when the next Congress convenes.

The Republican filing period remains open through July 28, with the special primary scheduled for Aug. 11. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, a runoff election will be held Aug. 25.

The Republican field has quickly emerged as one of the nation's most competitive Senate races. Confirmed candidates include interim Sen. Darline Graham Nordone, Rep. Ralph Norman, Rep. Russell Fry, Mark Lynch and Duke Buckner. President Donald Trump recently endorsed Nordone, adding another dynamic to a race expected to draw national attention.

During the visit, the team met with staff from 10 of the 25 congressional offices representing North Carolina and South Carolina, including every member serving on the House and Senate committees with banking jurisdiction: Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott, (R-S.C.), Sen. Thom Tillis, (R-N.C.), Rep. Tim Moore, (R-N.C.), Rep. William Timmons, (R-S.C.), and Rep. Ralph Norman, (R-S.C.).

The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss key legislative and regulatory priorities, including preserving the credit union tax status, National Credit Union Administration Board nominations, modernizing Currency Transaction Report thresholds, expanding loan maturity authority, combating fraud and other issues affecting credit unions.

The meetings also strengthened the League's relationships with congressional offices and reinforced the importance of ensuring policymakers continue to hear directly from the credit union movement.

Crews testified before the committee in late June. If the committee approves his nomination, it will advance to the full Senate for final confirmation.

The Carolinas Credit Union League will continue monitoring the nomination process and provide updates as additional developments occur.

Lawmakers are expected to consider potential veto override votes and other outstanding policy measures as legislative leaders work to complete unfinished business before shifting their focus to the 2026 election cycle.

The Carolinas Credit Union League remains actively engaged with legislators, regulators and key stakeholders throughout the legislative session and will continue advocating for policies that strengthen North Carolina's credit unions and the communities they serve.

With the budget now in place, legislative attention has shifted to remaining business, including potential veto override votes, pending policy legislation and additional measures that could be considered when lawmakers return to Raleigh later this month.

The General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene the week of July 27, when both chambers are expected to consider remaining business from the short session. Potential agenda items include gubernatorial vetoes, outstanding policy legislation and other priorities left unresolved before the July recess.

The Carolinas Credit Union League remains engaged with legislators, regulators and key stakeholders throughout the legislative session and will continue advocating for policies that support North Carolina's credit unions and the communities they serve.

Throughout the challenge, participating credit unions will compete while helping to strengthen the industry's advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels.

This year's campaign also continues the tradition of supporting charitable giving. When the challenge concludes, the team with the most qualifying contributions will earn a charitable donation of up to $1,500 to the college’s nonprofit of choice. The challenge provides another opportunity for credit union professionals to engage in advocacy while demonstrating their commitment to the communities they serve.

Members are encouraged to watch the campaign kickoff video, learn how to participate and join the competition throughout the campaign.

The Carolinas Credit Union League and America's Credit Unions have formally endorsed the legislation.

Under South Carolina law, Nordone will serve on an interim basis through the remainder of Graham's current term, which concludes in early January 2027, when the winner of the general election is sworn into office.

The race to succeed Graham is expected to be among the most closely watched elections this year. South Carolina Republicans will hold a special primary August 11, with a runoff, if necessary, on August 25. Voters will then elect the state's next U.S. senator during the November 3 general election. Several Republican and Democratic candidates are expected to compete.

The Carolinas Credit Union League will continue monitoring developments related to the election and its potential impact on credit unions.

The new law allows federal credit union boards to meet at least six times each year, rather than monthly, while continuing to require at least one meeting each quarter. The change modernizes longstanding governance requirements, reduces administrative burden and provides greater flexibility for volunteer directors.

The legislation also expands federal credit unions' authority to invest in certain community development projects and includes broader housing reforms intended to increase housing supply and affordability. These provisions create additional opportunities for credit unions to support their members and local communities.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law July 11, 2026, after President Donald Trump took no action to sign or veto the legislation. The bipartisan package includes several provisions long supported by the credit union movement that will reduce regulatory burden, expand opportunities for community investment and strengthen the housing finance system.

Among the most significant victories is the federal Credit Union Board Modernization Act, which modernizes an outdated governance requirement by allowing federal credit union boards to meet at least six times per year, rather than requiring monthly meetings. Boards must still meet at least once each fiscal quarter, preserving strong oversight while providing greater flexibility for volunteer directors to focus on strategic planning, risk management and serving members.

The legislation also expands federal credit unions’ authority to invest in certain community development projects, providing additional flexibility to support affordable housing initiatives, neighborhood revitalization and local economic development. This new authority creates more opportunities for credit unions to partner with community organizations and invest in projects that directly benefit the communities they serve.

In addition, the law includes several housing supply and affordability reforms designed to increase the nation’s housing inventory by streamlining federal housing programs, encouraging regulatory modernization and expanding financing tools for residential development. While these provisions apply broadly across the housing market, they are expected to create additional opportunities for mortgage lending and homeownership by improving housing availability over time.

Finally, the legislation advances manufactured housing, zoning and permitting reforms aimed at reducing barriers to new housing construction. By encouraging more efficient permitting processes, supporting manufactured housing as an affordable homeownership option and promoting local zoning reforms, these provisions seek to expand the supply of affordable housing and improve access to homeownership for families across the country.

The Carolinas Credit Union League appreciates the bipartisan support that made these reforms possible and will continue working with policymakers to advance additional legislation that strengthens credit unions’ ability to serve their members and communities.

The budget includes an average 8% teacher pay raise, salary increases for many state employees and law enforcement personnel, continued phased reductions to the personal income tax rate, funding for Medicaid, Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and other statewide priorities.

Legislative leaders praised the agreement as a long-awaited compromise. Stein is now reviewing the measure and can sign it into law, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.

The General Assembly is in recess this week for the July 4 holiday and is scheduled to return later this month to consider remaining legislative business.

The legislation aims to increase the nation's housing supply, expand financing opportunities and reduce barriers to affordable homeownership. For credit unions, the package includes several provisions that could create new mortgage lending opportunities as federal agencies implement updates to housing finance regulations.

The bill also includes the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, which allows federally chartered credit unions to meet at least six times a year instead of the current monthly requirement. The change provides greater operational flexibility while maintaining strong governance standards.

While the bill's enactment marks a significant milestone, many of its provisions will require federal rulemaking before taking effect. The Carolinas Credit Union League will continue to monitor the implementation process and provide updates as additional guidance becomes available.

The challenge officially begins with a kickoff video featuring the CCUL Advocacy team reflecting on the excitement from the Annual Meeting and encouraging participants to join the competition.

How the PAC Blitz Challenge works

Participation is simple:

• Submit your favorite college football team from the N.C. or S.C. contribution page.
• Make a contribution to your state political action committee through the Carolinas Capital Club.
• Every contribution counts as a vote for your team while helping strengthen advocacy efforts that protect and advance the credit union movement.

When the challenge concludes, the team with the most qualifying contributions will earn a charitable donation of up to $1,500 to the college’s nonprofit of choice.

The League's goal is to raise $10,000 for advocacy by December 8, 2026. Every contribution helps amplify the credit union voice while adding a little friendly competition throughout the football season.

Choose your team, make your contribution and help your school compete for the win.

Watch the kickoff video and get in the game. 

North Carolina’s credit unions reached a historic milestone late Thursday when Governor Josh Stein signed SB 595 into law, modernizing the state’s credit union statutes and strengthening the North Carolina state charter.

The new law represents the culmination of four years of advocacy, collaboration and persistence by credit unions, policymakers and stakeholders across the state.

SB 595 modernizes North Carolina’s credit union statutes, streamlines the process for state-chartered credit unions to gain authority for activities already permissible under federal law, strengthens the powers of the North Carolina Administrator of Credit Unions, and expands opportunities to serve more underserved communities, including individuals living below the federal poverty line and in banking deserts.

Carolinas Credit Union League President and CEO Dan Schline said the new law will help credit unions better meet the evolving needs of their members and communities.

“In practical terms, these updates give credit unions more flexibility and greater opportunity to meet the needs of their members and local communities,” said Schline in a video message shared with Advocate newsletter subscribers and on the League’s social media channels. “We are deeply grateful to the bill sponsors, legislative champions, credit union advocates, and many partners who helped move this effort from an idea to reality.”

Together, credit unions have strengthened North Carolina's state charter, ensuring it remains a strong foundation for serving members and communities well into the future.

The House hearing explored the growth of fintechs, digital wallets, stablecoins and real-time payments. Although interchange fees were discussed, they were not a primary focus, and lawmakers did not advance the Credit Card Competition Act. The Senate hearing similarly examined affordability and competition but did not include significant debate on interchange or proposals to cap credit card interest rates.

For credit unions, the hearings signal that Congress remains interested in modernizing the payments ecosystem. However, there was no significant movement on interchange legislation or credit card rate caps. Those issues remain active and will continue to be monitored closely by the Carolinas Credit Union League and America's Credit Unions.

Lawmakers questioned Crews on the agency's supervisory approach, consumer protection and the future direction of NCUA policy. If confirmed by the full Senate, Crews would succeed current NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman, who has said he will step down once his successor is confirmed.

Crews' nomination is expected to advance to a committee vote before consideration by the full Senate.

During Senate debate, several lawmakers cited provisions added to the broader revenue package later in the legislative process as the basis for their opposition. SB 595 now awaits Governor Josh Stein's signature.

State budget negotiations continue

With the original legislative calendar nearing its end, attention in Raleigh has shifted back to the state budget. Reports over the weekend indicated legislative leaders reached a budget agreement following weeks of negotiations. Discussions surrounding a potential Major League Baseball franchise for North Carolina reportedly contributed to the delay, as lawmakers continued debating whether to provide funding for a new stadium in an effort to attract a team.

It remains unclear whether the General Assembly will take final action on the budget this week or return after the July 4 recess to complete its work.

The League remains actively engaged with legislators, regulators and key stakeholders throughout the legislative session and will continue advocating for policies that support North Carolina's credit unions and the communities they serve.

Key Statewide Races

• Governor (Open Seat): Republican nominee Alan Wilson faces Democratic nominee Jermaine Johnson.
• Secretary of State: Republican incumbent Mark Hammond faces Democratic nominee Jason Belton.
• State Treasurer: Republican incumbent Curtis Loftis faces Democratic nominee Vincent Coe.
• Attorney General (Open Seat): Republican nominee David Stumbo faces Democratic nominee Richard Hricik.
• Comptroller General (Open Seat): Republican Mike Burkhold faces Democrat Tiffany Boozer.
• State Superintendent of Education: Republican incumbent Ellen Weaver faces Democrat Sylvia Wright.
• Commissioner of Agriculture (Open Seat): Republican nominee Cody Simpson faces Democratic nominee DeShawn Blanding.

US Senate

• Lindsey Graham, the Republican incumbent with 263,895 primary votes, faces Democrat Dr. Annie Andrews, who received 225,924 votes.
• Tim Scott, Republican incumbent, faces Democrat Krystle Matthews.

US House

• SC-1 (Open Seat): Republican nominee Jenny Honeycutt faces Democratic nominee Nancy Lacore.
• SC-2: Republican incumbent Joe Wilson faces Democrat Zyon Khalifa.
• SC-3: Republican incumbent Sherri Biggs faces Democrat Eunice Lehmacher.
• SC-4: Republican incumbent William Timmons faces Democrat Courtney McClain.
• SC-5 (Open seat): Republican nominee Wes Climer faces Democrat Mallory Dittmer.
• SC-6: Democratic incumbent Jim Clyburn faces Republican John Peterson.
• SC-7: Republican incumbent Russell Fry faces Democrat John Vincent.

State House Primary Results

• Republican Incumbents: 23 faced primary opposition; most retained nominations, with a few districts seeing new nominees.
• Democratic Incumbents: 11 faced primary challengers; most retained nominations. Some Democratic districts had no Republican challengers, making the primary decisive.

State House Members Not Seeking Re-Election

• Republicans: Davey Hiott (House Majority Leader), Bill Taylor, Donald Ryan McCabe Jr., and Mark Smith.
• Democrats: Jermaine Johnson and Spencer Wetmore.

With six current House members not seeking re-election, the 2026 election cycle is already poised to bring new voices to the South Carolina General Assembly. Additional turnover remains possible in several competitive races, making the November general election a key factor in shaping the House that will convene in 2027. The League will continue monitoring election developments and identifying opportunities for credit unions to engage throughout the campaign season.

North Carolina credit unions are on the verge of securing a major legislative victory as the Credit Union State Charter Modernization provisions included in Senate Bill 595 advance through the final stages of the legislative process.

The measure, which passed the Senate last week and received House approval today, represents the culmination of four years of collaboration, advocacy and negotiation involving credit unions, policymakers and stakeholders. Final readings in both chambers are expected before the bill is sent to Gov. Josh Stein for consideration.

The legislation modernizes state credit union laws that have not been significantly updated since the 1970s, streamlines the process through which state-chartered credit unions can gain authority to engage in activities already permissible for federally chartered credit unions, and strengthens the powers of the North Carolina Administrator of Credit Unions. It also expands opportunities for state-chartered credit unions to serve underserved communities by authorizing membership for North Carolinians with incomes below the federal poverty line and those living in banking deserts.

While the advancement of SB 595 marks a significant achievement for North Carolina credit unions, budget negotiations remain the primary focus in Raleigh. Legislative leaders continue working through outstanding issues as they seek to reach an agreement before adjournment.

The Carolinas Credit Union League remains actively engaged with legislators, regulators and key stakeholders throughout the legislative session and will continue advocating for policies that support North Carolina’s credit unions and the communities they serve.

The hearing is expected to focus on the rapidly evolving payments landscape, including digital payments, competition among payment providers and the regulatory framework governing the movement of money.

While witness testimony and potential legislative proposals could address a variety of issues, the discussion may have important implications for credit unions. Policymakers have increasingly debated topics such as interchange fees, payment network competition, real-time payments and emerging technologies that could reshape how consumers and businesses conduct transactions.

As Congress continues exploring ways to foster innovation while ensuring fair and competitive markets, the Carolinas Credit Union League will closely monitor the hearing and assess any proposals that could affect credit unions and their members.

If confirmed by the Senate, Crews would succeed NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman, whose term expired in 2025. Hauptman has indicated he will remain in the position until a successor is confirmed.

Crews currently serves as deputy assistant secretary for financial institutions policy at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. His previous experience includes serving as policy director for the Senate Banking Committee, advising House Majority Leader Steve Scalise on financial services issues and serving on the National Economic Council during the first Trump administration.

The hearing marks the next step in the confirmation process and comes at a pivotal time for the agency. The NCUA Board currently consists of a single member, making the confirmation of new leadership particularly significant for the regulation and supervision of the nation’s federally insured credit unions.

Following the hearing, the Senate Banking Committee will determine whether to advance Crews’ nomination to the full Senate for consideration.

Following years of advocacy, education and collaboration, the North Carolina Senate voted to advance the conference report for Senate Bill 595, which includes state charter modernization provisions for North Carolina-chartered credit unions. The vote represents a major step toward updating state law and ensuring credit unions can continue meeting the evolving financial needs of members and communities across the state.

This milestone reflects the dedication of credit union leaders, volunteers, advocates, lawmakers, regulators and supporters who recognized the need to modernize a charter framework that has not kept pace with today's financial services environment. Charter modernization will help North Carolina's state-chartered credit unions expand access to financial services, strengthen service to underserved communities and deliver greater value to their member-owners.

While additional steps remain before the legislation becomes law, today's Senate vote is the culmination of years of persistent effort. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when the credit union movement speaks with one voice and remains committed to serving the financial well-being of North Carolinians.

The Carolinas Credit Union League extends its appreciation to the lawmakers, credit union advocates and industry partners whose commitment and leadership helped move this effort forward.

For now, legislative leaders continue to target a recess before the week of July 4, consistent with the timeline outlined by both chambers earlier this year.

The Carolinas Credit Union League will continue monitoring committee meetings, floor votes and budget negotiations and will provide updates on issues affecting credit unions and the broader financial services industry.

Scheduled for September 15-16, Hike the Hill brings together credit union professionals, volunteers and industry supporters for meetings with members of Congress and congressional staff. The event serves as a key component of the League's advocacy efforts, helping ensure policymakers understand the impact credit unions have on local communities and the financial well-being of consumers.

Participants will receive policy briefings and advocacy resources before meeting with federal lawmakers to discuss legislative and regulatory priorities facing the credit union movement. These conversations help reinforce the industry's message and provide real-world examples of how policy decisions affect credit union operations and member service.

"One of the most effective ways to influence public policy is through direct engagement with elected officials," said Billy Boylston, chief advocacy officer for the League. "When credit union representatives share stories from their communities, it helps lawmakers better understand the value credit unions provide and the challenges they face."

The event will begin as America's Credit Unions' Congressional Caucus concludes, allowing attendees who participate in both events to extend their advocacy efforts in Washington. While the two events are separate, Hike the Hill offers a focused opportunity for Carolinas credit unions to meet with lawmakers from their states and advocate on issues that matter most to their members.

There is no registration fee to participate in Hike the Hill. Attendees are responsible for their travel and lodging expenses.

Credit unions interested in participating are encouraged to register as soon as possible to assist with scheduling congressional meetings and coordinating event logistics.

Governor

One of the most closely watched races was the Republican gubernatorial primary. With U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., vacating their congressional seats to pursue the governor's office, both districts will feature open-seat races this November.

The gubernatorial contest remains unresolved, however, as no candidate secured the majority vote required to avoid a runoff. Lt. Gov. Pam Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson will advance to the June 23 runoff election. The winner of the runoff will face Democratic candidate Jermaine Johnson in the general election.

The outcome of that runoff will have significant implications not only for the governor's office but also for the future makeup of South Carolina's congressional delegation.

Congressional Elections

• U.S. Senate: Incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham won the Republican primary and will face Democratic primary winner Annie Andrews in November.

• 1st U.S. House District: The Democratic primary will advance to a runoff between Nancy LaCore and Mac Deford, while the Republican primary will also head to a runoff between Jenny Costa Honeycutt and state Rep. Mark Smith. Both runoff elections will be held June 23. The winners of those runoffs will face each other in November for the open seat.

• 2nd U.S. House District: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson won the Republican primary and will face the winner of the Democratic primary runoff between David Robinson and Zyon Khalifa, to be decided June 23.

• 3rd U.S. House District: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs ran uncontested in the Republican primary and will face Democratic primary winner Eunice Lehmacher in November.

• 4th U.S. House District: Incumbent U.S. Rep. William Timmons won the Republican primary and will face uncontested Democratic primary winner Courtney McLain in November.

• 5th U.S. House District: State Sen. Wes Climer ran uncontested in the Republican primary and will face Democratic primary winner Mallory Dittmer in November for the open seat.

• 6th U.S. House District: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn won the Democratic primary and will face Republican primary winner John Peterson in November.

• 7th U.S. House District: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Russell Fry ran uncontested in the Republican primary and will face uncontested Democratic primary winner John Vincent in November.

Statewide Offices

Attorney General

• State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch and Eighth Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo will advance to a Republican runoff election.

Commissioner of Agriculture

• Cody Simpson and Danny Ford will advance to a Republican runoff election.

South Carolina House of Representatives

Unless otherwise noted, incumbents successfully secured their party's nomination.

House District 8

• Don Chapman and Sherry Hodges will advance to a runoff election.

House District 14

• Incumbent Senator Luke Rankin was defeated by Rick Shealy.

House District 52

• Malcolm Taylor won the open seat previously held by Rep. Jermaine Johnson.

House District 86

• The open seat previously held by Rep. Bill Taylor will be contested in November between Tommy Paradise, (R), and Malcolm Green, (D).

House District 96

• The open seat previously held by Rep. Ryan McCabe will advance to a runoff between Hunter Hackett and Scotty Whetstone.

House District 99

• The open seat previously held by Rep. Mark Smith will advance to a runoff between Jarrod Brooks and Kristy Gore. The winner will face Democratic nominee Samuel Price in November.

Additional Information

For a complete breakdown of election results, visit the South Carolina Election Commission's Election Night Reporting website.