Incumbent
Mark Hammond
Incumbent Republican candidate for Secretary of State in South Carolina
Incumbent
South Carolina Secretary of State winner?
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NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds — South Carolina Secretary of State winner?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
NOV 7, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleSecretary of State
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age62 years old (Nov 29, 1963)
GenderMale
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LocationSouth Carolina
BackgroundPolitician
EducationDorman High School
Notable personal detailsJohn Mark Hammond is an American Republican politician who has served as South Carolina Secretary of State since January 15, 2003. He previously worked as a criminal investigator for the 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and served as Spartanburg County Clerk of Court (1997–2002). He earned a B.A. in Political Science from Newberry College and a master’s degree in education from Clemson University. Hammond is married to Ginny Hammond and has three children.
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Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Hammond emphasizes business growth, making state filings easier and more efficient, and reducing barriers for businesses. His public campaign materials frame his record around pro-business administration rather than tax increases or expanded spending.
Immigration & Border
Supports doing more to physically secure the southern border. The available evidence points to a border-security-focused position rather than a broad immigration-reform or humanitarian-first approach.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Mark Hammond’s questionnaire responses indicate that human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death. On the abortion-specific question, he did not identify any exceptions and instead stated that children are a gift from God and should be treated as such.
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