Joe Wilson

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Republican incumbent Joe Wilson leads Democratic nominee Zyon Khalifa by about 3,000 votes in the race for South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District, and election officials say the results are close enough that a recount could follow.

Wilson has served in Congress since 2001, the same year Khalifa was born. Khalifa is 25.

State Election Commission Executive Director Conway Belangia said the 2nd District race is one of several key races that could result in a lengthy recount process.

“Right now, we’re at just a touch over one percent difference between a winner and a loser in the second congressional district,” Belangia said.

South Carolina law sets a 1% threshold for recounts, based on the total number of votes cast for that office.

Khalifa said he is optimistic about the outcome, citing the difference in campaign spending.

“When we look at the money spent, he spent about a million dollars compared to my $30,000,” he said. “So, with that being such a drastic difference and us being where we’re at right now, I’m still very proud of the fight that we put up, and I’m still hopeful for how it will turn out.”

Khalifa centered his campaign on affordability and inflation. Wilson focused on his record on national security, infrastructure and bipartisanship.

“I have institutional history and knowledge, and that has been very meaningful to me,” Wilson said in a September 2026 interview.

Wilson’s campaign had not responded to a request for comment on the close race.

Election results must be certified before election officials can call a recount. Officials expect to finish the certification process by next Monday or Tuesday.

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