Hilton Head state Rep. Bradley fends off primary challenger for second time
S.C. Rep. Jeff Bradley cruised to a win Tuesday in the District 123 Republican primary and now faces a Democratic challenger in November for the right to represent Hilton Head Island in the state house, according to unofficial election results.
With 100% of precincts reporting, the incumbent beat back a challenge from former schools superintendent Phil Hartman by 3,178 to 2,282 votes, or 58% to 42%.
“I’ve spent a long time on this island trying to live an exemplary life for my children, trying to do the right thing. Maybe folks recognize that,” Bradley said Tuesday night.
An influx of absentee ballots early Wednesday morning boosted Bradley and Hartman’s vote counts but kept Bradley’s margin of victory roughly the same.
“I’m honored by the whole thing,” he said. “I’m honored by the significant difference.”
The victory came after a contentious race that saw Hartman criticizing Bradley’s ability to legislate and his ties to political action committees. Hartman, who ran unsuccessfully against Bradley in 2018, dropped out of the only GOP candidate forum last month, alleging that the local Republican establishment was biased against him.
Hartman congratulated his opponent on his campaign’s Facebook page.
“Congratulations to Rep. Jeff Bradley for his strong victory last night and I would like to thank all of my supporters and volunteers for their efforts,” read the post on Wednesday morning.
Bradley will now face Democrat Christine DeVries, a former nonprofit association executive, in November’s general election.
Bradley, an Edward Jones financial advisor, has held the seat since 2015. He touted his success in forcing “persistent discussions” on the state’s underfunded pension system and his votes for reforms to the debt-ridden system.
He earned endorsements from S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster and S.C. Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort).
Both candidates pointed to the need to direct money from the State Infrastructure Bank to overhaul Hilton Head Island’s bridges.
Hartman lost to Bradley in the 2018 Republican primary by about 50 votes. Hartman was initially declared the winner in that race after a vote-counting snafu. His latest campaign centered on reforming state education funding, including increasing pay for teachers.
Bradley says he now can focus on the general election.
“I’m thinking I’ve got a challenge in the Democratic opponent,” Bradley said. “We need to start tomorrow.”
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 12:08 AM.
