District 8 Candidates Can Make It Official Today

The filing period for statewide primary and general election candidates opens today at noon, continuing through March 30 at noon.

The race generating the most buzz so far is the District 8 Senate seat currently held by longtime incumbent . Thomas has not yet confirmed that he'll seek re-election. Should he choose to do so, he'll face at least four challengers who have confirmed their plans to run. They are:

• Jim Lee, a Mauldin businessman.
• Chad Groover, a Greenville attorney.
• Ross Turner, a Greenville insurance agent.
• Joe Swann, a Greenville businessman.

Voters will have plenty of opportunities to get to know the candidates.

On Monday, March 19 the Upstate Republican Women will host the candidates at the Poinsett Club in Greenville at noon.

On April 2, the First Monday Club will also host the candidates at noon at the Poinsett Club.

On April 5, the Greenville Tea Party is hosting a debate at 6:30 p.m. at a location to be announced.

On April 23, the Republican Women of the Golden Strip and the Upstate Young Republicans are co-hosting a meeting the candidates event at Stax on Woodruff Road starting at 6:30 p.m.

*- NOTE: This story has been update to reflect a scheduling change.

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