Trader consensus in the SC-01 Republican primary heavily favors Mark Smith at 38% and Alex Pelbath at 36.5%, mirroring recent polls showing them neck-and-neck among GOP voters in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District. This tightness stems from their overlapping conservative profiles on border security, economic growth, and Second Amendment rights, coupled with comparable fundraising—Smith raised $450K and Pelbath $420K in Q1—and split endorsements, including Smith's nod from state Rep. Joe White and Pelbath's from local tea party groups. No dominant frontrunner has emerged ahead of the June 11 primary, keeping odds fluid. Separation could arise from a high-profile endorsement like Gov. Henry McMaster's, strong debate showings, or final pre-election polling shifts as early voting begins.