South Carolina State House District 81

Current seat holder: Charles V. Hartz.

Pete Swales

Pete Swales is a Democratic candidate for the South Carolina House of Representatives in District 81 (AIKEN) on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Certified by the South Carolina State Election Commission after filing on March 2026, Pete Swales faces Charles Hartz in a race in which Charles V. Hartz is the current seat holder covering AIKEN.

Charles Hartz

Charles Hartz is an incumbent Republican member of the South Carolina House of Representatives representing House District 81 (AIKEN). According to the South Carolina Legislature official member biography, Charles Hartz's professional background is listed as Self-Employed and education includes Graduate of Alfred Univ., B.A., 1981; Comr., Aiken Tech. College. In the 126th South Carolina General Assembly, Charles Hartz serves on the House Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs; Regulations, Admin. Procedures, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity committees.

Campaign site

““Aiken County needs a strong, business-minded leader who will not back down to special interests and will get us back to basics of good, conservative government .” - Charlie Hartz” (Campaign Website)
“"I am ready on day one to work with other conservatives to LOWER taxes, CUT wasteful spending, FIX our roads, and help build a SAFE FUTURE for our children and grandchildren."” (Campaign Website)
“Thanks for visiting my website! If you have any questions, please use this form or the contact info below to get in touch. Talk soon!” (Campaign Website)