Monday, November 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE: SC Chamber President and CEO Mike Brenan Announces Retirement
Three Things to Know: October 24th
This week's information compiled by your SC Chamber team includes:
S.C. House and Senate Special Election Results, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Files Suit Over Trump Administration's H-1B Visa Changes, HBCU STEM Kickoff
1. S.C. House and Senate Special Election Results
Primaries in a handful of special elections were held on Tuesday in Senate District 12, House District 21, and House District 88.
In Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, former Senator Lee Bright narrowly avoided a primary runoff in Senate District 12, securing 50.9% of the vote and defeating opponents Hope Blackley and Justin Bradley. Bright is poised to reclaim the Senate seat he held from 2009 to 2017.
In Greenville County, House District 21 will host a runoff on Tuesday, November 4, between Dianne Mitchell and Steve Nail. Mitchell received 37% of the vote, and Nail received 39%. There is no Democrat in the race.
In Lexington County, House District 88 will also host a runoff on Tuesday, November 4, between Brian Duncan and John Lastinger. Duncan received 38% of the vote, and Lastinger received 40%. The winner of the primary runoff will face Democrat J. Chuck Hightower in the December 23 special election.
2. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Files Suit Over Trump Administration's H-1B Visa Changes
Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. The increase in this fee stems from a presidential proclamation issued on September 19.
The H-1B visa program is designed to allow employers to temporarily hire skilled foreign workers in high-demand fields for up to three years. This already highly regulated program, by law, can issue only 65,000 new visas each year, plus an additional 20,000 for foreign professionals with advanced degrees from U.S. universities. A lottery system determines the allocation of these visas, as there are more applicants than available slots each year.
Previous guidance from the State Department clarified that the new $100,000 fee will apply only to new H-1B applications (not to renewals). Companies will be required to remit the fee as a one-time payment accompanying their H-1B petitions. This policy will be in effect for the next year.
Following the announcement, the U.S. Chamber expressed concern, stating, “We’re concerned about the impact on employees, their families, and American employers. We’re working with the administration and our members to understand the full implications and the best path forward.”
The lawsuit argues that the fee is unlawful. The Chamber contends that the administration’s policy conflicts with its stated pro-growth agenda, noting that H-1B visas help attract and retain foreign talent in fields where skilled workers are not readily available domestically. For example, about two-thirds of H-1B visas are issued for “computer-related occupations.”
3. HBCU STEM Kickoff
This week, the SC Chamber welcomed 37 students to our office for the kickoff of this year's HBCU STEM program. This is year 8 for the SC Chamber’s HBCU STEM program with a cohort of 37 students representing all 8 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in SC. The program has been successful in exposing students in STEM to businesses in S.C.. At this year’s orientation, students were given an overview of the program and heard from two former students now working at businesses were they visited, received internships and a job. We hope to continue the opportunities and continue to grow the numbers. If interested in the program please contact Cynthia Bennett, EVP, COO, at Cynthia.Bennett@scchamber.net.