Spearman of Saluda easily beat Sally Atwater of Charleston, claiming the GOP nomination heading into November. Spearman and Atwater virtually had tied in the June 10 Republican primary, running first and second among eight candidates.
Victory also was easy for Thompson of Forest Acres, who entered the Democratic runoff as an underdog against Sheila Gallagher of Florence. Gallagher had a 10-percentage-point lead over Thompson in the primary two weeks ago.
Spearman and Thompson will join American Party candidate Ed Murray of West Columbia on the November ballot.
Spearman said she was humbled by the support she received.
“It was a grassroots effort,” Spearman said. “Educators across this state really came out in droves to support me.”
After a divisive GOP runoff that saw Atwater question whether Spearman, a onetime Democrat, really is a Republican, Spearman said her strategy leading into the fall will be to win over those who did not vote for her.
“I will be reaching out to the folks who did not support me, and try and gain their confidence, and let them know that they have my ear,” Spearman said.
