Rankin wins runoff election for District 33 state senate seat, according to unofficial results

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) – Longtime South Carolina Sen. Luke Rankin defeated challenger John Gallman in Tuesday’s runoff election, according to unofficial results.

According to the Associated Press, Rankin, who was first elected to serve District 33 back in 1993, had 58% of the vote to Gallman’s 43%.

Rankin was greeted by cheers and applause from his team of supporters at his victory party on Tuesday night. He said that he’s grateful for that moment as he prepares for the general election in November.

And although he did receive the majority of the votes during the runoff, 42% of the votes went to Gallman and Rankin said he hopes to earn the trust and commitment of those voters as well.

“I think it’s hard for some people to believe I am what I say I am, that my walk has been my walk. Give me another chance, watch me work for you and join in a message of hope and optimism,” Rankin said. “This is a county people love and we want everyone to work together because working together, there’s nothing Horry County and the state can’t accomplish, so let’s work together.”

As it stands, Rankin currently doesn’t have a Democratic challenger in November’s general election.

Click here for more unofficial results from today’s runoff elections.

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