SC Democratic Party files lawsuit to remove Labor Party candidates from 2022 ballot

The South Carolina Democratic Party has filed a lawsuit to remove Labor Party candidates from the November 2022 ballot.

The Labor Party nominated Gary Votour for governor and his running mate Harold Geddings for lieutenant governor, and Lucas Faulk in the 1st Congressional District race during a nominating convention last month despite a dispute among party leaders whether to nominate anyone at all.

The state’s Democratic Party argues in the lawsuit that the Labor Party’s convention occurred too late, as state law requires nominating conventions to happen by May 15.

Some Labor Party officials previously told The State that they worried putting candidates on the ballot would take votes away from Democratic candidates, thereby ensuring a Republican would win.

Despite that concern, others in Labor Party leadership went through a with nominating convention because candidates had filed to run.

A hearing on the lawsuit, which names the Labor Party and the State Election Commission as defendants, is scheduled for Tuesday in Richland County.

Labor Party officials did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. The State Election Commission declined to comment on the pending litigation.

The South Carolina Democratic Party is being represented by Columbia attorney Chris Kenney, who works in state Sen. Dick Harpootlian’s law firm.

This story will be updated.