Mark Smith holds a commanding lead in the SC-01 Republican primary, scheduled for June 9, due to his substantial fundraising edge—nearly $727,000 raised with strong cash reserves—and his profile as a sitting state representative from District 99. A recent GOP forum straw poll showed him ahead at 34 percent, narrowly over Alex Pelbath at 30 percent, with Jay Byars further back. Pelbath, a commercial pilot and retired Air Force colonel highlighting military service, trails in both resources and local name recognition. The remaining candidates, including Jenny Costa Honeycutt and Sam McCown, have drawn less attention and funding. Early voting begins May 26 in this open-seat contest to replace Nancy Mace. Trader consensus aligns with these structural advantages heading into the final stretch.