The two most senior members of the Horry County delegation appeared to snag re-election bids Tuesday.

State Sen. Luke Rankin defeated his opponent with 74 percent of the vote with 41 of 49 precincts reporting.

State Sen. Dick Elliott led with 52 percent at press time with 65 of 69 precincts reporting in unofficial results.

All 46 seats were up for grabs in the state Senate, which Republicans have controlled since the 2000 election.

Both incumbents had been elected as Democrats, but Rankin switched parties earlier in the year to the majority party.

Neither of their opponents had served in a political office.

Elliott, 67, has been a state senator since 1992 and served 10 years prior in the House. He faced Katherine Jenerette, a 36-year-old Republican aide to U.S. Rep Henry Brown.

Rankin, 42, began his Senate career in 1993. He won against Democrat Jara Uzenda, a local contractor.

Elliott refused to comment Tuesday about the race or his priorities in office.

Jenerette said a new perspective would benefit the district.

"I think I've had a very good race on my side of the race. I can't say that for my opponent on many aspects," she said.

Rankin said his top priorities are taxes, education and transportation needs, particularly Interstate 73.

"I'm certainly hopeful for a uniform school start initiative," he said.

Rankin complimented Uzenda on a "clean, positive campaign."

Uzenda, 58, said she ran because of Rankin's party switch and a subsequent look at his voting record.

"I hope he'll be more conscious that it's important for him to communicate with his constituents and to take into account the demographics of his voter base," she said. "And I wish Sen. Rankin the best of luck."

Rankin said his party switch gives him the benefit of "being able to work with the majority to get things instead of working against.

"I've had good rapport with Republicans and Democrats, and I think the election [shows] that," he said.