Grooms Ends Campaign Despite Recount

First Congressional District candidate Sen. Larry Grooms has conceded the race to GOP rival Curtis Bostic.

"My plans to represent South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District have ended," Grooms wrote in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. 

Bostic earned a place in the GOP runoff against former Gov. Mark Sanford by a slim margin against Grooms that triggered an automatic recount. Tuesday night, Grooms was not ready to concede. 

Hogan Gidley of the Grooms campaign said that Grooms' two core constituencies, christian conservatives and fiscal conservatives were eroded by the entry of Bostic and Ray Nash into the race.

Gidley said he does not expect Grooms to endorse either Sanford or Bostic, but also has not ruled out the possibility.

Bostic's campaign said they would hit the ground running Wednesday, regardless if Grooms conceded. Click here to read more about Bostic's campaign win Tuesday night. 

In the concession statement, Grooms called himself a "third place finisher." 

"I wish Gov. Mark Sanford and Curtis Bostic all the best," Grooms wrote. 

Here is the full statement:

By a voting margin of less than 1%, my plans to represent South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District have ended.

1 Thessalonians 5 teaches us that we should give thanks in all things. While there is great disappointment for coming so very close in such an incredibly difficult election, there is no doubt cause to give thanks and rejoice.

For instance, in a very crowded field, being massively outspent and with a fraction of the news coverage as others – we can rejoice knowing our campaign brought much-needed attention to the serious issues facing South Carolina and the nation. While many continue to ignore spending problems in Washington, pay lip service to the debt crises and show disdain for morality – our campaign was able to remind the people about the principles and freedoms that made this country great. In fact, what we accomplished despite the odds shows the power of united conservative front. I approached the campaign just as I approach my job as your State Senator - ever striving to unite conservatives and lead others to the conservative cause. That’s a major reason for my success in Columbia, and that’s the very reason way we came so close in this election. When we, as conservatives, fight together on the local, state or national level we succeed.

I am truly thankful to serve in this wonderful Senate district and it’s a job I take very seriously. I pledge to continue fighting for conservatism at the state level by working to protect the taxpayers’ money and their values with every single vote.

I will forever be indebted to my family, friends, supporters and volunteers who sacrificed more for me than I will ever be able to repay. The kindness and generosity of those who believe in my fight for freedom and liberty is overwhelming and I am humbly grateful.

In a special note to my bride of 30 years Carol, I could not and would not have done this without her by my side. Next to the Lord, she is my rock and the constant cause for joy in my life.

To the possibility of a recount, as I understand it, the state Election Commission will begin an automatic recount as outlined by state law – and I will be the ‘official’ third place finisher in the race. I wish Gov. Mark Sanford and Curtis Bostic all the best. Like all the candidates and office holders across America, they too will constantly be in my prayers.