State Senator Wes Climer has formally submitted his resignation from the South Carolina Senate, effective November 3, 2026, according to a letter sent Monday to Senate President Thomas Alexander and a statement Climer posted on Facebook the same day.
Climer, who represents York County in Senate District 15, is running for South Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District seat. His resignation timing is designed to avoid a costly special election while ensuring York County keeps continuous representation in the Senate through the end of his term.
In his Facebook post, Climer called serving the people of York County in the Senate one of the greatest honors of his life. He said resigning effective November 3 will allow York County to elect his successor during the regular general election instead of forcing taxpayers to pay for a separate special election.
In his letter to Alexander, Climer cited South Carolina Code Section 8 1 145 as the legal basis for his irrevocable resignation. He wrote that if he is elected to Congress, a special election would otherwise be required to fill his Senate seat. By resigning under the terms of that statute now, a successor will instead be chosen during the regularly scheduled general election already set for November 3, ensuring York County does not face a gap in Senate representation or the added cost of a separate special election.
The resignation follows months of legislative groundwork. Earlier this year, Climer worked with Senate leadership on a resolution allowing lawmakers to submit irrevocable resignations dated for a future election, rather than resigning immediately upon entering a congressional race. State officials estimated a standalone special election for the seat could cost York County taxpayers between $150,000 and $270,000.
Climer has represented Senate District 15 since 2016 and chairs the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. He also serves on the Family and Veterans Services, Judiciary, Labor Commerce and Industry, Legislative Oversight, and Transportation committees.
Climer said his mission remains the same whether he serves in Columbia or in Washington: fight for taxpayers, defend constituents’ freedoms, and put the interests of the people first. He thanked York County voters for the trust they have placed in him.
Climer is seeking the Fifth Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, who is running for governor. The resignation letter was copied to Jeff Gossett, clerk of the Senate.
The Senate District 15 seat will be filled in the November 3 general election, with the candidate filing period and primary following the same calendar already set for this year’s statewide races.
Source: Resignation letter from Senator Wes Climer to Senate President Thomas Alexander, dated June 22, 2026, and Climer’s Facebook statement of the same date
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