Mark Smith holds a commanding position in the June 9 Republican primary for South Carolina’s open 1st Congressional District seat, driven by his five years as a state representative in an overlapping district and consistent leads in early fundraising and local media coverage. A recent GOP forum straw poll in April showed him edging Alex Pelbath, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel emphasizing his command of the final U.S. evacuation flight from Afghanistan. Pelbath and state Sen. Sam McCown trail as the strongest challengers in a crowded field that includes Jenny Costa Honeycutt, Jay Byars, and several lower-profile candidates. Traders’ consensus reflects Smith’s legislative record and early organizational advantages in a race where military experience and conservative credentials remain key voter appeals ahead of the June primary.