Meet candidates in contested races for Congressional Districts 3, 4

Five candidates in Upstate South Carolina are vying for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives as they compete in contested primary elections for the 3rd and 4th Congressional Districts. In the 3rd District, Democrats Eunice Lehmacher and Ernest Mackins are locked in a primary, with the winner set to challenge Republican incumbent Rep. Sheri Biggs in November. Lehmacher, 63, is a licensed professional counselor, educator, and former appointee to South Carolina’s Mental Health Board. Her top priority is reducing costs for healthcare, housing, college, and childcare. Mackins, 54, is a senior pastor, small business owner, and U.S. Army veteran, emphasizing affordability for gas, groceries, and healthcare, along with raising the minimum wage. The 4th District’s primary features incumbent Rep. William Timmons, 42, a former prosecutor first elected in 2018, facing two Republican challengers: David Atchley, 60, a business consultant, and Robert E. Lee, 39, an engineer. Timmons’ campaign focuses on aligning with President Donald Trump’s agenda, affordability, and immigration policy. Atchley prioritizes local district needs over national politics, while Lee emphasizes an ‘America First’ agenda and reducing political corruption. The winners of these primaries will advance to the general election, where the 4th District’s Republican nominee will face Democrat Courtney McClain, who is running unopposed. Key issues driving the races include healthcare costs, economic affordability, and representation priorities, reflecting broader concerns among Upstate South Carolina voters.