David Thomas

Longtime South Carolina state Sen. David L. Thomas became the fifth Republican to mount a primary challenge against Rep. Bob Inglis , who has earned the ire of South Carolina’s rock-ribbed conservatives with his political moderation.

Thomas, who has been in the legislature for more than twenty years, announced Saturday in Fountain Inn, S.C. that he was running for the 4th District seat, promising smaller government and less spending. The Federal Election Commission published his campaign committee paperwork Monday.  

Also challenging Inglis for the seat are Greenville businessman Andrew Smart , Wofford College Professor Christina Jeffrey , Spartanburg prosecutor Trey Gowdy and Mauldin businessman Jim Lee .