Maurice Washington holds a strong lead in the SC-06 Republican primary market due to his established record as a former Charleston City Council member and Charleston County Republican Party chair, contrasting with John Peterson’s more limited local precinct-level role. The June 9 primary features only these two candidates following the collapse of broader redistricting efforts, leaving the nomination contest focused on relative experience and party ties within the district. Trader consensus on Washington reflects this structural advantage in a low-profile race with no major late shifts in positioning or endorsements reported in recent weeks. The outcome will determine the Republican nominee to face incumbent Democrat Jim Clyburn in November.