A federal judge cleared the way Friday for a new state Senate primary in Florence and Marion counties.

U.S. District Court Judge Terry Wooten dismissed Sen. Maggie Glover’s lawsuit challenging the S.C. Democratic Party’s decision to throw out the results of her June 8 primary.

Gov. Mark Sanford is “in the process of setting a new election date,” his spokesman Will Folks said. He said Sanford would issue an executive order setting a new election “as soon as next week.”

Glover had sued the state party, the State Election Commission, Sanford and others, accusing them of violating the Voting Rights Act.

The party ordered a new election after one of Glover’s opponents appealed the primary results, claiming widespread voter fraud in the District 30 race.

Florence businessman Tim Norwood originally finished second in the primary, behind Glover but ahead of Marion County official Kent Williams. The vote was so close that state law required a recount. That recount put Williams ahead of Norwood.

Norwood then filed his appeal with the party’s executive committee, which has the power to order a new election.

Glover and Williams appealed separately to the S.C. Supreme Court, asking the justices to overrule the party. The court refused.

Glover, who has been in the Senate since 1993, can appeal Wooten’s decision into the federal appeals courts. However, she said Friday she was not sure if she would appeal. “I’m getting ready for whatever comes next.”

Sanford is ready to move forward, appeal or not, Folks said.

“As far as our office is concerned, we’re moving forward with the process of setting a new date,” Folks said.

Reach Gould Sheinin at (803) 771-8658 or asheinin@thestate.com.