News Summary
Wes Climer, a Republican state senator, has declared his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District. His announcement follows Ralph Norman’s decision to run for governor. Climer aims to support Trump’s America First agenda and has emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility and local representation. He is poised to face Democratic challengers in the upcoming elections.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Wes Climer, a Republican state senator, has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District. Climer’s decision comes as current U.S. Representative Ralph Norman prepares to leave office to run for governor of South Carolina.
Climer made his announcement during an event at Southern Charm Events in Rock Hill on Thursday evening, emphasizing his commitment to supporting President Donald Trump’s America First agenda once elected to Congress. He expressed his dissatisfaction with career politicians, unelected bureaucrats, and special interests, stressing the need for genuine representation in Washington.
The 5th Congressional District encompasses a range of counties, including York, Lee, Lancaster, Union, Cherokee, Chester, Fairfield, and Kershaw, along with parts of Sumter and Spartanburg counties. This district is regarded as heavily Republican, and Climer is the most notable candidate to enter the race to date. He will be competing against Democrats Alex Harper and Andrew Clough in the 2026 Congressional elections.
During the launch of his campaign, Climer endorsed Ralph Norman for governor, indicating a continued alignment with the Republican establishment. Climer has represented South Carolina’s 15th Senate District since 2016 and has nearly nine years of service in the state Senate. He currently chairs the Senate’s agriculture and natural resources committee and previously led the York County Republican Party.
In July, Climer filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a monthly pay increase for lawmakers, further underlining his commitment to fiscal responsibility. His legislative history includes advocating for the exclusion of candy and soda from SNAP benefits and opposing the confirmation of Myra Reece as the head of the Department of Environmental Services. Climer identifies himself as a Christian, small business owner, and lifelong conservative, shaping his campaign priorities around these core values.
Climer’s campaign focuses on several key issues: cutting the federal budget, securing the Southern border, opposing Critical Race Theory in education, and overhauling the Department of Justice. He seeks to improve coordination between federal, state, and local governments to effectively manage growth in South Carolina.
Highlighting his accomplishments in the South Carolina Senate, Climer has promoted legislation on constitutional carry, tax cuts, and school choice while taking a firm stance against Critical Race Theory initiatives. His legislative experience has positioned him favorably for a Congressional role, and he ranks 23rd among 46 South Carolina senators in terms of seniority. Climer has also worked on Capitol Hill, adding to his familiarity with federal legislative processes.
Despite his popularity among constituents and strong Republican backing, Climer has faced criticism, particularly concerning the proposed legislative pay increase. He has consistently argued against excessive government spending and unnecessary intervention in markets, emphasizing that addressing the federal budget deficit is essential for supporting middle-class families.
Recent polls indicate that Climer has significant support within the Republican base, suggesting that he may perform well in both primary and general elections. His extensive background in local and state politics serves as a testament to his dedication to serving the interests of constituents in South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District.
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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 for Congress
- Term Limits: Sarah Work Pledges Support
- Koch-Backed Group in SC Statehouse Races
- Term Limits: Wes Climer Supports Term Limits
- Wikipedia: Wes Climer
- Google Search: Wes Climer Fifth Congressional District
- Google Scholar: Wes Climer Politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wes Climer
- Google News: Wes Climer
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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