News Summary
State Senator Wes Climer from Rock Hill has announced his candidacy for South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District. Climer is the first to enter the race for the seat vacated by U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, who is seeking the governorship. His campaign focuses on middle-class interests and aligns with Trump’s America First Agenda, emphasizing immigration controls, fossil fuel production, budget cuts, and tariffs to boost U.S. manufacturing. Climer’s experience as a state senator and leadership role in the local Republican Party position him as a strong contender in the upcoming election.
Rock Hill – State Senator Wes Climer, a Republican from Rock Hill, has officially launched his campaign for South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District. Climer is the first candidate to announce his candidacy for the seat currently held by U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, who is opting not to seek re-election in order to run for governor.
The congressional district stretches from the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina, southward into Sumter County, and is regarded as a stronghold for the Republican Party. Climer made his candidacy public during a York County GOP event on July 31, 2025.
Climer’s campaign will prioritize the interests of the middle class, advocating for policies aligned with former President Donald Trump’s America First Agenda. His platform features key points such as tightening immigration controls, boosting fossil fuel production, cutting regulations, trimming government spending, and implementing protective tariffs aimed at bolstering U.S.-based manufacturing.
In his announcement, Climer expressed criticism of government inefficiencies, asserting that the basic functions of government are currently incompetent and stating that existing trade policies have failed to benefit the middle class. He identifies as a fiscal hawk, committed to reducing the federal deficit and addressing the national debt, declaring that excessive federal spending is a major concern.
Climer highlighted a recent estimate from the Congressional Budget Office which indicated that new Republican tax and spending legislation could potentially increase the federal deficit by $3.394 trillion over the next ten years. He believes that the government can alleviate rising prices for citizens by diminishing its fiscal burdens.
Since being elected to the South Carolina State Senate in 2016, Climer has built a reputation for his stances against earmarks and misuse of state funds. His legislative record includes working on reforms within healthcare and advocating for term limits on judicial screening panels. He has partnered with Democrats on certain initiatives, showcasing his willingness to collaborate across party lines.
Climer possesses a background in Washington, D.C., where he previously served as a congressional aide and later worked as a financial consultant before entering politics. He gained leadership experience in the York County Republican Party, ultimately serving as its chairman.
Describing himself as a principled conservative, Climer aims to generate actionable results in Congress rather than engage in mere partisan disputes. His campaign priorities encompass budget reduction, securing the southern border, opposing Critical Race Theory in educational institutions, and reforming the Department of Justice.
Another focus for Climer will be coordinating efforts among local, state, and federal governments to effectively address growth challenges facing South Carolina. His recent legal actions, including a lawsuit related to a legislative pay raise he claims is unconstitutional, further underscore his commitment to accountability in government.
Climer has consistently voted against gun control measures and regulations he perceives as overreach into private industries. While acknowledging he previously endorsed former Governor Nikki Haley over Donald Trump, he seeks to reaffirm his alignment with Trump’s policies as part of his campaign.
As the race progresses, Climer’s commitment to championing conservative values and reforming government operations will likely resonate with voters in the predominately Republican district. His experience as a state senator and a leader within the party positions him as a key contender for the seat in the upcoming election.
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Additional Resources
- Rock Hill State Senator Launches Bid for SC’s 5th Congressional District
- Herald Online: Politics News
- Post and Courier: Wes Climer Congressional Bid
- Term Limits: Sarah Work Pledges Support
- FITS News: Wes Climer Updates
- Wikipedia: United States Congressional Districts
- Google Search: Wes Climer Congressional Bid
- Google Scholar: Wes Climer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Congressional District
- Google News: Wes Climer South Carolina
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