Polls are open until 7 p.m. Tuesday for the District 17 runoff. (File/FOX Carolina)TRAVELERS REST, SC (FOX Carolina) -
Mike Burns has become the Republican nominee in the race to fill a vacant state House seat.
Burns won Tuesday's District 17 runoff against challenger Chris Sullivan with 1,383 votes to Sullivan's 1,134 votes.
"I want to thank my opponent for his energetic campaign because it made sure I didn't become complacent," Burns said in a statement after the results were announced. "It helped me stay focused on sharing my vision for more effective government with as many District 17 residents as possible."
The runoff was triggered after neither candidate got at least 50 percent of the vote in the Republican primary that was held Jan. 22.
A special election is scheduled for March 12 to fill the state House seat left empty after Tom Corbin resigned to become a state senator representing District 5.
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