Rainy Day Voting in Columbia: House District 75 Contest Heats Up as Bauer Leads Finlay

Rainy Day Voting in Columbia: The Battle Heats Up for House District 75

Columbia saw a steady drizzle this morning, with rain likely to continue into the afternoon. As folks in the Midlands took to the polls, voters braved the overcast skies to cast their ballots in what has become a heated race for State House District 75. With a high of 77°F and rainfall expected to total about a quarter of an inch, the weather didn’t deter nearly 200,000 early voters who participated in this year’s 2024 General Election.

A Clash of Candidates: Bauer vs. Finlay

It’s an exciting time for voters in Columbia as State Rep. Heather Bauer, a Democrat, faces off against former State Rep. Kirkman Finlay, a Republican, in a close race that’s drawn attention from all corners. What makes this race particularly spicy? Bauer managed to unseat Finlay two years ago in a shocking election upset, so you can bet this rematch has some extra stakes attached!

With more than 95 percent of the votes counted from Tuesday’s election, reports indicated Bauer leads Finlay by a margin of six points. Talk about a nail-biter! Both candidates zeroed in on important local issues during their campaigns, including the contentious state of the Richland One school district. Issues of educational governance and school choice have dominated discussions, as the district faces scrutiny from the South Carolina Department of Education.

The Campaign Trail: Promises and Problems

This election cycle has been a wild ride, with both candidates tackling significant questions about education in the state. On one side, Finlay has criticized the school district’s leadership and has positioned himself as a strong advocate for school choice policies. Meanwhile, Bauer is pushing hard for accountability within the district, arguing for reforms that would lead to better outcomes for students.

The two candidates have also clashed over campaign finances. Reports reveal that Bauer raised about 40 percent more money than Finlay, bringing in around $200,000 compared to Finlay’s $138,000. That’s no small potatoes and might just give her campaign the extra kick it needs!

Other Notable Races in the Midlands

But the excitement didn’t stop there! In nearby Senate District 26, Russell Ott, a Democrat, emerged victorious over Republican Jason Guerry by a ten-point margin. This race also saw Ott emphasizing a bipartisan approach, which seems to have resonated well with voters.

On the flip side, another closely watched contest was unfolding next door, where incumbent State Senator Mike Fanning appears to have lost by a nail-biting 34 votes to Republican Everett Stubbs. Can you imagine the tension in that race? With results not yet certified, we might see a recount coming soon!

Keeping an Eye Out for Future Trends

As South Carolina continues to evolve politically, the pattern of races indicates shifting voter sentiments, particularly around education and accountability. The races in Districts 75 and 26, and the unexpected results for State Senate seats signal that change could be in the air for both parties.

The results of this election day are a reminder of the importance of local voices in shaping state policy. Whether you’re cheering for Bauer or Finlay, the outcome is bound to impact not just the statehouse but the lives of many Columbia residents. So, no matter what happens, let’s hope the sun comes out soon to brighten our spirits—and our ballots!

Stay Tuned!

As we await official results, keep your umbrellas handy, and let’s stay tuned for more updates from Columbia as the dust settles from this thrilling election day!