2010 South Carolina gubernatorial election
The 2010 South Carolina gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2010. Incumbent Republican Governor Mark Sanford was term limited and unable to seek re-election. Primary elections took place on June 8, 2010, and a runoff election, as was necessary on the Republican side, was held two weeks later on June 22. Republican Nikki Haley defeated Democrat Vincent Sheheen in the general election by a margin of 4.5%. As of 2018, this is the closest that the Democrats have come to winning the governorship of South Carolina since their last victory in 1998. This  is the 1st open seat election since 1994. General election. Endorsements. Senator Vincent Sheheen -- South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Representative Nikki Haley-- National Rifle Association Representative Nikki Haley-- South Citizens for Life Sponsored by the Republican Parties of Newberry and Laurens Counties Debates. Aired on WIS-TV on September 22, 2009 Watch here Sponsored by the SC Natural Resources Society Aired on SCETV on November 3, 2009 Watch here Sponsored by the South Carolina Republican Party Moderated by MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski Aired on WCSC-TV on January 28, 2010 Watch here 2010 South Carolina gubernatorial election