Incumbent
South Carolina Republican Attorney General nominee?
$5.8K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Senator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age43 years old (Nov 19, 1982)
GenderMale
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LocationSouth Carolina
BackgroundAttorney
EducationThe Citadel — B.S., 2004
Notable personal detailsStephen Lewis Goldfinch Jr. is a South Carolina attorney and Republican state senator representing Senate District 34 (Georgetown & Horry counties). He previously served in the South Carolina House of Representatives (2013–2016). Goldfinch earned a B.S. from The Citadel and a J.D. from Charleston School of Law, and he has served as a JAG officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports reducing tax burdens and limiting government spending while also proposing targeted fees on newcomers to fund local infrastructure. Has proposed eliminating the state income tax and backed measures to cut taxes and reduce regulatory/agency spending.
Healthcare
Supports stricter oversight and prosecution of Medicaid fraud and has backed legislation that would expand state authority over certain Medicaid/pharmacy matters and empower the attorney general to bring actions related to pharmacy/Medicaid practices.
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Immigration & Border
Supports stronger enforcement and cooperative state-level action on immigration and border security, including working with federal enforcement priorities and joining other state attorneys general in litigation to push back on federal policies. Advocates clear, enforceable federal legislation on illegal immigration and restrictions on sanctuary policies while emphasizing lawful immigration and border security.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports restrictions on abortion and has backed South Carolina’s fetal heartbeat / six-week ban with certain exceptions; as attorney general candidate he says he will defend pro‑life laws in court. His legislative record includes a vote in support of the Heartbeat Bill that limits most abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected with specified exceptions.
Climate & Energy
Supports expanded domestic oil and gas development including offshore drilling and has promoted energy policies favoring development and ‘‘energy freedom.’' Has also engaged with legislation related to state energy policy such as the South Carolina Energy Freedom Act.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports Second Amendment rights and opposes registration/expanded federal gun-registration measures while emphasizing aggressive prosecution of violent crime and strong support for law enforcement. Backs policies to crack down on violent offenders and firearm-related felonies rather than new broad gun-control measures.
News
Stephen Goldfinch lost the South Carolina Republican attorney general runoff to David Stumbo, according to unofficial results. Goldfinch had advanced to the runoff after no candidate won a majority in the June 9 primary. The runoff decided the GOP nominee for attorney general, who will face the Democratic nominee in the general election.
Alan Wilson, David Stumbo won low-turnout SC runoffs
SC elections continue with early voting. When, where to vote in runoff
What to know about the runoff election for SC attorney general
Beaufort County primary runoff sees Hower win council seat
Endorsements
Endorsers of Stephen Goldfinch for South Carolina Republican Attorney General nominee?
Florence County Republicans
Elected official
Florence County Republicans endorsed Stephen Goldfinch in the attorney general runoff.
Sheriff Opie Blanton
Elected official
Sheriff Opie Blanton endorsed Stephen Goldfinch for attorney general.
South Carolina House Speaker Murrell Smith
Elected official
South Carolina House Speaker Murrell Smith endorsed Stephen Goldfinch in the Republican attorney general runoff.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising