Dr. Kasie Whitener is the First Official Candidate for US Senate in the 2026 General Election
April 14, 2026 (Columbia, South Carolina) – The South Carolina Libertarian Party has selected Dr. Kasie Whitener to represent the party in the November 3, 2026 General Election for the US Senate. The South Carolina Libertarian Party selects candidates by delegate votes at their convention, rather than by Primary Election, making Dr. Whitener the first official candidate for the US Senate seat up for election this year. Dr. Whitener’s campaign slogan is “One Million Know,” a call to mobilize one million South Carolina voters who know our government is not working for us to win in a three-way election.
“This was a big milestone,” Dr. Whitener said, “I’m proud to have earned the trust and endorsement of the Libertarians, but I’m not just a candidate for Libertarian voters. I am the candidate for all South Carolinians who see that our government is gridlocked by a two-party struggle that enriches the powerful and leaves the rest of us worse off, and believe we need someone new, not the same old party tricks. As US Senator, I will bring independent, accessible representation for all South Carolinians.”
The Kasie, South Carolina campaign officially launched on March 29, 2025 at Steel Hands Brewing in Cayce, S.C. This year, the campaign celebrated its one-year anniversary at the same location, on a beautiful spring day, March 29, 2026. Dr. Whitener filed with the Elections Commission for the election on March 17, 2026. The second step of the process was Saturday’s recalled state convention for the purpose of nominating candidates. Dr. Whitener defeated Jason Brenkus for the nomination, winning 40 of the 49 delegates.
Dr. Whitener said in her speech on the convention floor, “We must win the people over, one conversation, one voter, at a time.” She added, “It’s going to be a lot of work, and I’m the one willing to do it.” Dr. Whitener has pledged to visit all 46 counties and has already criss-crossed the state, attending more than 30 community events, including multiple trips to Williamsburg County, the St Patrick’s Day parades in Lexington and Richland Counties, the Mardis Gras Parade in Columbia’s Shandon neighborhood, the West Columbia Rabbit Run 5k, and the Myrtle Beach Gun Show in Horry County, a candidate forum at Presbyterian College in Clinton, and the Palmetto Panel sponsored by the South Carolina Policy Council.
She will be at Claflin University on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and the HWF Championship Rodeo in Blackstock, SC on Friday (4/17) and Saturday (4/18).
“We’re meeting people where they are,” Dr. Whitener said in her speech on the convention floor. “And the response has been overwhelmingly positive.” Dr. Whitener is seeking volunteers to support her campaign.