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Author, preservationist and state rep compete for Democratic nomination for US Senate

Catherine Fleming Bruce and Rep. Krystle Matthews compete for Democratic nomination for US Senate
Catherine Fleming Bruce and Rep. Krystle Matthews compete for Democratic nomination for US Senate

Tuesday, South Carolina's primaries will end with one of only two statewide runoffs determining who will challenge Republican incumbent Senator Tim Scott for the opportunity to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.

Author and preservationist Catherine Fleming Bruce narrowly emerged as the Democratic nominee frontrunner during last week’s primary, receiving 34.69 percentage of votes while challenger, current South Carolina state Representative Krystle Matthews, earned 33.24 percent.

Both women agree and say Scott is not what the state needs, but their backgrounds offer voters a difference. Flemming Bruce has never held an elected office. Through her preservation work, she helps share stories from the past currently impacting life. She says as senator, many of these current-day issues will continue to be a part of her work.

Matthews is a single mother of five and an engineering planner by profession. She represents the 117th district, which encompasses parts of Berkeley and Charleston Counties and says there is value in experience.

Fleming Bruce and Matthews spoke with South Carolina Public Radio about their backgrounds, issues important to them and why residents should vote for them Tuesday.

Thelisha Eaddy is the local Morning Edition host for South Carolina Public Radio.