Former Dorchester County Sheriff Ray Nash has announced plans to run for the 1st Congressional District seat.
Nash, a native South Carolinian and Republican, has worked for more than 30 years in law enforcement, including 12 years as sheriff.
Most recently, he served in Afghanistan for three years, assisting the U.S. Department of State as a criminal justice adviser with the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.
Nash joins a crowded GOP field to fill the congressional seat vacated by now-Sen. Tim Scott, R-Charleston. The filing period closes at noon on Jan. 28 with primaries set for March 19. If needed, primary runoffs will be held April 3 with the special election set for May 17.
