On Friday, state Sen. Mike Fanning, D-17th, conceded the narrow loss of his seat to Republican Everett Stubbs. That leaves one remaining Senate race scheduled to go to a recount this week – the race between incumbent Democrat Gerald Malloy and Republican J.D. Chaplin in District 29.
Chaplin leads Malloy by 287 votes, out of almost 50,000 cast in the district. Because that difference represents a margin of less than 1 percent, an automatic recount is triggered, unless one of the candidates concedes and waives the recount.
In District 17, which encompasses Fairfield, Chester, and parts of York counties, Fanning conceded with 29 votes separating him from Stubbs, which nullifies the need for a recount.
Chaplin said Monday that he’s not heard from Malloy following last week’s election. He is, however, confident that his margin is greater than the number of “failsafe” ballots that could go Malloy’s way.
“It’s not 1960 anymore,” Chaplin said. “They’re not going to find a box of ballots in the corner or something, it’s over.”
The South Carolina Senate Majority Caucus confirmed Monday that Chaplin will receive orientation as the senator-elect for District 29, which covers Marlboro and Darlington counties, plus parts of Lee, Sumter, and Chesterfield counties.
Malloy has held the seat for 22 years and serves on Senate committees on banking and insurance, education, ethics, judiciary, legislative oversight, rules, and transportation.
The state Election Commission will not certify the results of the race until Thursday. A recount is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Malloy did not respond to attempts to reach him for this story.
