McMaster, Cunningham win primaries; to face off in November

By JEFFREY COLLINS
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham has won the Democratic nomination for governor, setting up a November showdown with Republican Gov. Henry McMaster. Cunningham has touted the fact that he’s the only Democrat in the state over the past decade to flip a Republican seat in a major race. He has made big promises, including legalizing recreational marijuana use and sports gambling. He has repeatedly highlighted the 35-year age gap between him and the governor. Cunningham is 40. McMaster is 75. During his primary campaign, McMaster reminded voters how he tried to carefully tailor COVID-19 restrictions and cited the state’s booming economy.