News Summary
Lee Bright has officially announced his candidacy for the vacant S.C. Senate District 12 seat after Roger Nutt’s resignation due to health issues. The upcoming special primary will feature Bright against Justin Bradley and Hope Blackley, with the general election scheduled later. Bright’s conservative stance and past political experience set the stage for a competitive race amid varied campaign contributions and voter turnout concerns.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Lee Bright is making a comeback in South Carolina politics, formally announcing his candidacy for the vacant S.C. Senate District 12 seat following the resignation of Roger Nutt due to health issues related to Alzheimer’s. The Republican special primary is set for October 21, 2025, and the general election will take place on December 23, 2025. Notably, no Democrats are set to contest the general election.
Bright previously held the S.C. Senate District 12 position from 2008 until 2016, experiencing a close loss in his last electoral attempt in 2024 by just under 150 votes. This election offers Bright an opportunity to re-establish his political presence against two other candidates: Justin Bradley, a former Spartanburg County Council member, and Hope Blackley, the former Spartanburg County Clerk of Court. The competition has intensified following the withdrawal of Bobby Cox from the race on August 29, 2025.
Bright is known for his staunch conservative views, including significant opposition to abortion, a controversial defense of the Confederate flag, and support for South Carolina adopting its own currency. His past performance in the state Senate has drawn mixed reactions; he passed only one bill during his eight years in office, which has become a point of criticism in his political career. Despite this, Bright maintains a loyal following, bolstered by substantial funding for his campaigns, which typically focus on fiscal and social conservatism.
Meanwhile, his opponents are also seasoned political figures. Hope Blackley is promoting a campaign focused on education, public safety, and economic development, advocating for pro-life measures and stricter abortion regulations. Her fundraising efforts have been robust, with approximately $13,414 raised by August 22, 2025.
Justin Bradley, on the other hand, is emphasizing his successes in local governance, particularly his achievements in driving economic development without raising taxes. He has garnered endorsements from influential Republican figures, which could play a significant role in his campaign’s visibility and success.
Voter turnout in special elections tends to be low in South Carolina, making each vote particularly crucial in this contest. As of mid-August 2025, campaign contributions reflect the varying levels of support among the candidates, with Bright accumulating approximately $5,853.40 in funds, while Blackley leads with $13,414, and Bradley has raised $970.
This special election takes place against a backdrop of internal political challenges within the South Carolina Senate, especially regarding divisive issues such as abortion and contraceptive access. Additionally, Bright is aligned with the Freedom Caucus, a group currently confronting turmoil following serious charges against its former leader, complicating the political landscape.
In summary, the upcoming special primary for the S.C. Senate District 12 seat may hinge on the effectiveness of campaign strategies amid a divided political terrain and the candidates’ ability to engage voters. Bright’s return to politics opens a new chapter in a race that promises to be both competitive and reflective of the current state of conservative politics in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Disputed State Senate Race Hearing Scheduled in Lee County Following Vote Count Discrepancies
Bishopville, S.C. Faces Election Controversy Over Narrow Senate Race Victory and Recount Discrepancies
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Lee Bright in South Carolina Senate Race
- SC Daily Gazette: Senator Resigns Due to Alzheimer’s
- Greenville Online: Lee Bright Endorsed by U.S. Senator
- Legacy: Edward Bright Obituary
- Fits News: Lee Bright Enters Senate Special Election
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Senate
- Google Search: Lee Bright South Carolina Senate
- Google Scholar: Lee Bright Politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Senate
- Google News: Lee Bright
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
