Stumbo Leads Hricik in South Carolina Attorney General Race

Republican David Stumbo held a narrow lead over Democrat Richard Hricik in unofficial results for the state's attorney general office.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a low pale stone government building under an overcast sky, with a single flag on a pole in the foreground. — Republican David Stumbo held a narrow 51-49 lead over Democrat Richard Hricik in unofficial results for South Carolina's attorney general race. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you support Republican David Stumbo as South Carolina's next attorney general?

Republican David Stumbo led Democrat Richard Hricik 51 percent to 49 percent shortly after 8:45 p.m. on Nov. 3, according to unofficial results. The race is tight, and the winner would be the first person to hold the attorney general's office in 16 years, since Alan Wilson did not seek another term and ran for governor.

Why it matters

The contest determines who will lead South Carolina's attorney general's office after a change in leadership. Stumbo is expected to serve as the next attorney general if the results hold.

Unofficial returns showed Stumbo ahead 51 percent to 49 percent on Nov. 3. Official certification of the final count had not yet been reported.

The players

David Stumbo

Stumbo is the Republican candidate for South Carolina attorney general who previously served as elected solicitor for four counties for 13 years and worked in the attorney general's office.

Richard Hricik

Hricik is the Democratic candidate for South Carolina attorney general, a Mount Pleasant-based trial and appellate attorney who teaches at Charleston School of Law and William & Mary Law School.

Alan Wilson

Wilson is the outgoing South Carolina attorney general who chose not to seek another term and instead ran for governor.

The details

Stumbo secured the Republican nomination after a three-way spring primary and a run-off against Stephen Goldfinch in early June, with David Pascoe also in the field. Stumbo previously worked in the attorney general's office under Wilson and Gov. Henry McMaster, helped run the State Grand Jury, and has served as elected solicitor for Abbeville, Newberry, Laurens and Greenwood counties for 13 years. Hricik is a Mount Pleasant-based trial and appellate attorney with more than 30 years of experience who teaches at Charleston School of Law and William & Mary Law School.

Early June: Stumbo defeated Goldfinch in a run-off for the GOP nomination.
Spring: Three-way Republican primary for the attorney general nomination.
Nov. 3: General election, with unofficial results showing Stumbo ahead shortly after 8:45 p.m.

Political Context

The race follows Wilson's decision not to seek re-election as attorney general in favor of a run for governor, opening the office for the first time in 16 years. Stumbo's path runs through his prior service under Wilson and McMaster.

Residents of South Carolina will have a new attorney general, and the office's direction will depend on which candidate prevails. Watch for official certification of the final vote count before the outcome is confirmed.

The takeaway

The result will shape how South Carolina's attorney general's office operates after a 16-year wait for a new officeholder. Voters following local races should check official results as counts are finalized.