There’s a new twist in the ongoing battle for South Carolina’s 7th Congressional district, which has been full of intrigue, profanity and legal action.

A state circuit court’s ruling today means there will now be a Democratic primary runoff on Tuesday between attorney Preston Brittain and economist and former Georgia state Rep. Gloria Bromell Tinubu.

The South Carolina State Election Commission disqualified ballots cast for state Rep. Ted Vick (D) in the June 12 primary. Vick had earlier dropped out of the race after being arrested, but his name was left on the ballot.

Discounting the votes cast for Vick, Bromell Tinubu received more than 50 percent of the ballots cast and, thus, became the nominee. But the court’s decision forced the SEC to count Vick’s votes, meaning no candidate received more than 50 percent of ballots cast, prompting a runoff.

“Election officials are now making final preparations for the Republican and Democratic Runoffs to be held next Tuesday, June 26, 2012,” the SEC said in a statement today.

Brittain is supported by the Democratic establishment and is seen as having a chance, if very slim, of winning the new Republican-leaning seat if he is the nominee. Democrats and Republicans in the state believe it is certain to be won by the GOP nominee if Bromell Tinubu is the Democratic nominee.

In the GOP runoff, former Lt. Gov. André Bauer faces off against Horry County Council Chairman Tom Rice.