South Carolina Insurance Chairman Thomas Loses Re-Election Bid

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South Carolina Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Chairman David Thomas has lost his re-election bid for an eighth term.

Thomas was in the toughest primary of any incumbent Tuesday, with four Republican opponents. He failed to capture enough votes for the runoff.

Thomas received 21 percent of the vote. Less than 1 percentage point separated the top two vote-getters, both at 27 percent when rounded. Joe Swann had more votes than Ross Turner.

Thomas was first elected in 1984. The Greenville attorney ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2002 and for the 4th District Congressional seat in 2010.

He is among six incumbents to lose Tuesday.

Thomas’ loss means Greenville County will have at least three freshmen. GOP Sen. Phil Shoopman and Democratic Sen. Ralph Anderson did not seek re-election.