Saluda County Republicans delivered a powerful message in the 2026 Republican Primary: our voters are engaged, energized, and leading the way for South Carolina.
Saluda County Outperforms the State
Statewide, Republican Primary turnout in 2026 averaged 25.28 percent, but Saluda County far exceeded that benchmark with a turnout of 31.06 percent. That means Saluda County ran more than 5.7 percentage points ahead of the statewide average, underscoring the strength and commitment of local Republican voters.
Dramatic Growth Since the 2024 Primary
From 2024 to 2026, Saluda County’s overall Republican Primary turnout climbed from 24.87 percent to 31.06 percent. That is a substantial increase in participation and reflects growing engagement with our candidates, our issues, and the future direction of our county and state.
While the state as a whole also saw an increase in turnout, Saluda County not only kept pace but continued to outperform the statewide averages by a wide margin. This growth is a credit to our voters, our volunteers, and our precinct leadership working consistently to inform and mobilize Republican voters across the county.
Strong Precinct-Level Performance in 2026
Every precinct in Saluda County contributed to the 2026 turnout success story, with many surpassing even our strong 2024 numbers. Precinct-level turnout in 2026 was as follows: Holly 32.94 percent, Hollywood 31.84 percent, Sardis 35.12 percent, Fruit Hill 29.11 percent, Pleasant Grove 35.02 percent, Saluda No. 2 33.16 percent, Saluda No. 1 28.54 percent, Holstons 26.39 percent, Ridge Spring/Monetta 33.57 percent, Higgins/Zoar 27.99 percent, Richland 30.34 percent, Centennial 29.72 percent, and Ward 25.68 percent.
Several precincts surpassed the 35 percent mark or came very close, with Sardis at 35.12 percent, Pleasant Grove at 35.02 percent, and Ridge Spring/Monetta at 33.57 percent leading the way. These outstanding results at the grassroots level demonstrate how seriously Saluda County Republicans take their civic responsibility and their role in shaping the Republican ticket.
How 2026 Compares to 2024 in Each Precinct
The attached turnout comparison also illustrates how far many precincts have come since the 2024 Primary. In 2024, precinct turnout ranged from a high of 32.69 percent in Sardis to 15.32 percent in Holstons, with most precincts in the low- to mid-20s and 20s.
2024 vs 2026 Turnout by Precinct
A Thank You to Saluda County Republicans
These turnout gains do not happen by accident; they are the result of consistent voter education, strong candidates, diligent precinct organization, and Republicans who show up when it counts. Saluda County’s continued outperformance of the statewide averages sends a clear signal that our county is committed to choosing conservative leadership and advancing Republican principles.
The Saluda County GOP extends a sincere “thank you” to every voter who participated in the 2026 Republican Primary, as well as to all the volunteers, precinct officers, and poll workers who made this success possible. Together, we will build on this momentum as we head into the General Election and future election cycles, keeping Saluda County a strong, engaged, and effective voice within the South Carolina Republican Party.
