Disqualified Senate Candidate Sues South Carolina GOP Over Ballot Inclusion

Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 3, 2026 —

Danny Ford II, a U.S. Senate candidate previously disqualified from the Republican primary ballot, has filed a lawsuit against the South Carolina Republican Party. Ford is seeking a judicial order to have his name reinstated on the special GOP primary ballot for the upcoming election.

The South Carolina Republican Party is opposing Ford’s request, arguing that making changes to the ballots at this juncture would significantly disrupt an election that is already underway. The party stated that absentee and overseas military ballots have already been distributed, making alterations logistically challenging and potentially confusing for voters.

Ford’s disqualification stemmed from a new party rule that mandates candidates must have participated in at least two of the last three statewide GOP primaries. Ford’s legal team contends that this specific party rule contravenes the state constitution. The specifics of the alleged constitutional violation were not detailed in the provided summary.

The lawsuit highlights a conflict between a candidate’s eligibility and established party rules, complicated by the ongoing election process. The court’s decision will likely hinge on the interpretation of state election laws and party regulations, as well as the practical implications of altering ballots already in circulation.

Further details regarding the timeline of the lawsuit, specific legal arguments presented by both Ford’s legal team and the South Carolina Republican Party, and the potential impact on the primary election were not provided in the summary.

Story summarized from the original created by Jessica Holdman on scdailygazette.com, see more information here.

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