Three Female GOP Senators Who Opposed SC Abortion Ban Lost Their Primaries
In a significant political shift, three Republican state senators in South Carolina who played a pivotal role in filibustering an abortion ban have lost their primary elections this month. Katrina Shealy, Sandy Senn, and Penry Gustafson, who were part of a bipartisan group of five women state senators known as the “sister senators,” faced defeat at the hands of male challengers. Their coordinated effort to block a near-total abortion ban earned them the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award last year.
During their filibuster, the “sister senators” took turns discussing the complexities of pregnancy, the dangers of limited access to contraception, and the inadequacies of privacy laws. Despite their efforts, they faced significant backlash from anti-abortion activists and their own party, including censures and promises of primary challenges in 2024.
Katrina Shealy conceded to Carlisle Kennedy after securing only 37.5% of the vote, according to an unofficial tally of primary runoff results. Shealy, who represents a county in the middle of the state that includes part of Columbia, faced strong opposition from Kennedy, who campaigned on a “proudly pro-life” platform. Kennedy emphasized his commitment to protecting the unborn and advocating for policies that support mothers and families.
Penry Gustafson, representing three counties in the northern part of the state, lost by a wide margin to Allen Blackmon, who secured 82% of the vote. Blackmon’s campaign focused on an anti-abortion stance, asserting that both “born and pre-born” individuals deserve protection.
Sandy Senn, who represented the southeastern part of the state, including the Charleston area, narrowly lost to Matt Leber by just over 30 votes. Leber, who has served in the South Carolina House since 2022, supported the state’s bill that bans abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected.
The defeat of these three senators marks a significant moment in South Carolina politics, particularly given their recognition with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. The award announcement highlighted their bravery in standing up for women’s reproductive rights and the challenges they faced from their own party and anti-abortion activists.
The primary results reflect the ongoing tension within the Republican Party over abortion rights. The three GOP senators had proposed a ban at the end of the first trimester as a compromise, but their stance was met with strong opposition from more conservative members of their party.
Shealy, who has been a vocal advocate for children and families, expressed confidence that most voters in her district supported her stance on abortion. However, her challengers, including Carlisle Kennedy and Zoe Warren, argued that her actions on abortion and other issues were out of step with Republican values.
Warren, a former missionary, criticized Shealy for disappointing Republicans with her stance on abortion. He positioned himself as a true Republican who adheres to the party platform, which includes ending abortions. Kennedy, a personal injury attorney and former prosecutor, accused Shealy of becoming more liberal and pointed to her abortion votes as evidence.
The defeat of the “sister senators” underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party over abortion rights. While the three GOP senators sought to find a middle ground, their primary challengers capitalized on the strong anti-abortion sentiment among conservative voters.
The primary results also highlight the broader political landscape in South Carolina, where several other races are shaping up to be highly contested. The House Freedom Caucus, an ultra-right faction of the Republican Party, appeared likely to gain seats held by main party incumbents, further shifting the balance of power within the state legislature.
In the House, the Freedom Caucus seemed poised to flip the seat held by long-time incumbent Rep. Bill Sandifer, who faced a strong challenge from Adam Duncan, a wrestling coach from Seneca. Preliminary results showed Duncan leading by less than 60 votes. The Freedom Caucus also appeared to have a commanding lead over Assistant Majority Leader Jay West.
Other notable races include the crowded run for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Thomas McElveen, with run-offs expected in both the Democrat and Republican primaries. The race for Democrat-turned-Independent Sen. Mia McLeod’s seat is also likely to result in a run-off, with Rep. Ivory Thigpen vying for the position against Richland County Councilman Overture Walker.
The political landscape in South Carolina is undergoing significant changes, with the defeat of the “sister senators” serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing debates over abortion rights and the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. As the state moves towards the general elections, these primary results will undoubtedly shape the future of South Carolina politics.
Source: NBC News, SC Daily Gazette
