2026 General Election: November 3, 2026. New info launches early October.
Ray Craig
Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
No
Age:
Approximately 65
Previous experience in elected office:
None; previously ran for U.S.House in South Carolina
Occupation:
Former sales engineer; counseling and ministry work
Description:
He is running because he says "the Queen City has been governed poorly for many years." He calls District 88 a "hot mess" and on his website displays photos of broken signs and shopping carts used by homeless people. In a campaign video, he says that smelling weed on the streets and the Iryna Zarutska murder inspired him to run to improve the community. He is endorsed by the N.C. Police Benevolent Association.
Other personal:
Craig says he was orphaned as a baby and adopted by an Army couple. He grew up in Clover, S.C., and was an intern for the late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond. He was an Eagle Scout and attended Clemson.