1941 United States Senate special election in South Carolina

The 1941 United States Senate special election in South Carolina was held on September 30, 1941 to complete the unexpired term of Senator James F. Byrnes, who resigned on July 8. Interim Senator Alva Lumpkin died on August 1 and in turn was succeeded by Roger C. Peace, who did not run for re-election.

The election was won by Governor Burnet R. Maybank who defeated former Governor Olin D. Johnston after a run-off in the primary. He was unopposed in the general election.

Background
In 1937, Senator James F. Byrnes began a six-year term ending in 1943. On June 12, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt nominated Byrnes as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, and he was confirmed that same day. He resigned from the Senate on July 8, 1941.

To fill the vacancy until a successor could be duly elected, Governor of South Carolina Burnet R. Maybank appointed Judge Alva Lumpkin on July 22, 1941, but Lumpkin died on August 1, 1941. Maybank then appointed Roger C. Peace on August 5, 1941, to succeed Lumpkin. Peace did not run in the special election to complete the term.

Democratic primary
The Democratic primary election was held on September 2, 1941. As no candidate won a majority of votes, a run-off was held between the top two candidates on September 16, 1941.

Candidates

 * Joseph R. Bryson, incumbent U.S. Representative
 * Olin D. Johnston, former Governor of South Carolina
 * Burnet R. Maybank, incumbent Governor of South Carolina