At least 5 incumbents lose SC primary bid

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — At least five incumbents have lost their bid for re-election in this year’s primaries, including the longest-serving member of the South Carolina House.

Rep. Denny Neilson was defeated by Rep. Robert Williams in a face-off to represent Darlington. Neilson has served in the Legislature since 1984.

In the other primary that pitted two incumbents, Rep. Bill Bowers defeated Rep. Curtis Brantley to represent rural Jasper and Hampton counties. Their districts were collapsed because of population changes shown in the 2010 Census.

Others who lost include Republican Reps. Steve Parker of Boiling Springs and B.R. Skelton of Six Mile, and Sen. Mike Rose of Summerville.

Incumbents who defeated tough challenges include Sen. Ronnie Cromer of Prosperity. He won a four-way race with 59 percent of the vote.