Mark Burns, an evangelical pastor backed by former President Trump, has advanced to the runoff election for the Republican nomination to replace retiring Rep. Geoff Duncan in South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District.
Seven Republicans were vying for a seat normally held by the GOP, but no real front-runner emerged ahead of the primary.
Ultimately, Trump’s endorsement could help Burns gain momentum in his bid to win the Republican nomination.
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Rev. Mark Burns spoke at the American Priorities Conference in Washington, DC on December 6, 2018. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Pastor Mark Burns is a fighter for America First and I support him fully. He is a good man, a hard worker and he will never let you down!” Trump said in an endorsement of Burns on Truth Social.
Trump cited Burns’ positions on border security, upholding the rule of law, the economy and defending “the Second Amendment, which is under constant attack.”
Barnes has been vocal about his stance on the border and against the “woke” agenda, and touted his support for President Trump on his campaign website. A former South Carolina National Guard soldier, Barnes founded a church in Easley and embraced Time magazine’s labeling him “Donald Trump’s favorite pastor.”
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Duncan, who served seven terms, decided not to run again for the seat after his wife filed for divorce last year, accusing him of multiple extramarital affairs.
Rep. Geoff Duncan, R.S.C., walks down the House steps after voting on May 25, 2016, at the Capitol. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
“At some point in your career, you need to step aside and allow others to bring fresh ideas and talent to the fight for freedom,” Duncan said in a January statement.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has endorsed nurse Sheri Biggs, and former Sen. Lindsey Graham staffer Kevin Bishop, state Rep. Stewart Jones and businessman Frankie Franco are also running.
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The Democratic primary in the 3rd District is between Frances Gardner, a high school science teacher, and Byron Best, who owns a Sherwin-Williams paint store in Greenwood.
The district is a mostly rural area in the northern and western parts of the state, and no Democrat has won it since Graham won it in 1994.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
