The 1984 South Carolina United States Senate election was held on November 6, 1984 to select the U.S. Senator from the state of South Carolina. Popular incumbent Republican Senator Strom Thurmond cruised to re-election against Democratic challenger Melvin Purvis.
The South Carolina Democratic Party held their primary on June 12, 1984. Melvin Purvis, a minister and the son of famous FBI agent Melvin Purvis, won a close race against photographer Cecil J. Williams. The closeness of the race and the fact that the black candidate did not win propelled Jesse Jackson to request a Justice Department investigation into the primary and he also considered an independent bid for the seat. GovernorRichard Riley and 3rd districtRepresentativeButler Derrick flirted with running, but backed down when Thurmond received endorsements from prominent Democrats in South Carolina.
Democratic Primary
Candidate
Votes
%
Melvin Purvis
149,730
50.2%
Cecil J. Williams
148,586
49.8%
Republican primary[]
The South Carolina Republican Party held their primary on June 12, 1984. Senator Strom Thurmond easily defeated Bob Cunningham to advance to the general election.
Republican Primary
Candidate
Votes
%
Strom Thurmond
44,662
94.3%
Bob Cunningham
2,693
5.7%
General election campaign[]
Thurmond received endorsements from former Democratic governor Robert Evander McNair, Charleston mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., and an assortment of black mayors in the state. He did not face a serious challenge and spent almost $1.5 million on the race whereas Purvis spent less than $10,000. An ironic footnote to the election is the fact that Purvis used Thurmond's age as an issue in the campaign. He claimed Thurmond was too old, yet Purvis died less than two years after the election of a heart attack at age 46.