Crystal Ball Outlook: Leans R
Democratic candidate: John Spratt, Incumbent
Republican candidate: Mick Mulvaney
Recent updates from the Crystal Ball
Background:
Democratic incumbent John Spratt is running for his fifteen term against Republican challenger Mick Mulvaney to represent South Carolina’s 5th district. The fifth district is historically Democratic but Republicans have become more competitive and even dominant in parts of the district in recent years. Spratt is fairly liberal and was easily elected in 2008 but his support for the stimulus bill and healthcare reform could make it easy for Mulvaney to portray him in an unfavorable way to voters. Still, Mulvaney has an uphill battle in terms of raising money and gaining name recognition and votes so this remains a seat that is a Toss-Up.