Civic Compass race research snapshot Race: South Carolina House of Representatives — SC House District 17 Data source: Database-backed profile Coverage: Basic Election slug: sc-candidate-profile-enrichment Open online: https://www.ballotvibe.com/races/sc-2026-south-carolina-house-of-representatives-sc-house-district-17?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment Open ballot plan: https://www.ballotvibe.com/plan?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment#plan-sc-2026-south-carolina-house-of-representatives-sc-house-district-17 Flag race evidence: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=South+Carolina+House+of+Representatives+%E2%80%94+SC+House+District+17#corrections Exported: 2026-11-09T08:59:53.352Z Candidate profile links - Mike Burns: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/mike-burns-republican?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment - Rich Nicoloff: https://www.ballotvibe.com/candidates/rich-nicoloff-democratic?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment Why this race matters Candidate profile enrichment race created from official filing rows and candidate evidence sources. Evidence coverage Candidates loaded: 2 Claims loaded: 67 Shared issue areas: Not enough cross-candidate evidence yet Candidates without evidence: 0 Claims needing review: 24 Stale source count: 0 Candidate comparison 1. Mike Burns (Republican) Evidence: 10/22 source-backed; 7 high-confidence Issues: Taxes and spending, Civil liberties and privacy, Environment and energy, Jobs and economy Values: Fiscal responsibility, Fair taxation, Civil liberties, Personal privacy, Environmental stewardship Public gaps: age_fact, campaign_policy_claims, career_or_role_fact Sources: BURNS, JAMES MIKELL (MIKE) - FollowTheMoney.org — https://www.followthemoney.org/entity-details?eid=15393737&default=candidate; Mike Burns - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Burns; Mike Burns - South Carolina | MyRepTracker — https://myreptracker.com/south-carolina/legislators/sc-house-17-mike-burns 2. Rich Nicoloff (Democratic) Evidence: 33/45 source-backed; 12 high-confidence Issues: Education, Cost of living, Election integrity, Healthcare Values: Education quality, Economic opportunity, Fair taxation, Government transparency, Institutional accountability Public gaps: age_fact, campaign_policy_claims, career_or_role_fact Sources: Keeping track of candidate events isn't an exact science | Greenville County Democratic Party — https://greenvilledemocrats.com/tracking-candidates/; Rich Nicoloff - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Rich_Nicoloff; South Carolina House of Representatives District 17 - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/South_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_District_17 Research queue Candidate follow-up: Mike Burns, Rich Nicoloff Source refresh: No stale sources flagged Source-backed claims 1. Rich Nicoloff — Education — promised Rich Nicoloff's greenvilledemocrats.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Education: Forgot password? I sympathize with her frustration and we had a productive conversation. I am new to the organizing side of politics. Having spent my life in journalism, I’ve been more on the issues side of political contests. Also as a journalist, despite being p Quote: “Forgot password? I sympathize with her frustration and we had a productive conversation. I am new to the organizing side of politics. Having spent my life in journalism, I’ve been more on the issues side of political contests. Also as a journalist, despite being pretty wonky, there’s no way you can volunteer or work with a party or a campaign. So, my back-office education really began in the spring of 2017. Like most of the uninitiated, I believed that “the party” had a far more centrally organized role in candidates’ activities. The truth is that’s far from the reality. For the past year, because of our status as one of the first states with a presidential primary, coupled with our diversity, Greenville has had a steady influx of candidates seeking the Democratic Presidential nomination. In some cases, we’ve had a week’s notice (Sen. Warren in February) in others, barely a couple of days (Sen. Klobuchar just a week later). Recently, GCDP Chair Kate Franch had maybe a week’s notice that Julian Castro would be coming to Greenville, but no definitive date or logistic info until the Wednesday morning prior to a Sunday visit.” Source: Keeping track of candidate events isn't an exact science | Greenville County Democratic Party — https://greenvilledemocrats.com/tracking-candidates/ Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Education&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fgreenvilledemocrats.com%2Ftracking-candidates%2F#corrections 2. Rich Nicoloff — Cost of living — promised Rich Nicoloff's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Cost of living: Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Our Constitution grants us ALL, the citizens of the United States of America, inalienable rights that I promise to uph Quote: “Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Our Constitution grants us ALL, the citizens of the United States of America, inalienable rights that I promise to uphold rather than impinge. The Republican Party that has been in control of SC for the past 25 years has failed the youth of South Carolina. Our state is currently ranked 43rd for Education & that is shameful! Our students deserve better & I intend to end the funneling of tax dollars away from our public schools. Democracy dies without education, so I will strive to improve our public schools & universities. South Carolina, especially the Upstate, is growing. I think that is a good thing, but we need to make sure that the growth is sustainable & affordable so that we all benefit while preserving the beauty & diversity that brings people here. I'll work to find ways that SC can grow while conserving our natural spaces.” Source: Rich Nicoloff - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Rich_Nicoloff Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Cost+of+living&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FRich_Nicoloff#corrections 3. Rich Nicoloff — Election integrity — promised Rich Nicoloff's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Election integrity: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees Quote: “What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it. Campaign finance summary Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets . That information will be published here once it is available. See also 2026 Elections” Source: Rich Nicoloff - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Rich_Nicoloff Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Election+integrity&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FRich_Nicoloff#corrections 4. Rich Nicoloff — Education — supports Rich Nicoloff's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Education: Who represents me? What's on my ballot? • Elections in 2026 • How to vote • How to run for office • Ballot measures Government Who represents me? • U.S. President • U.S. Congress • Federal courts • State executives • State legislature • State and local courts • Countie Quote: “Who represents me? What's on my ballot? • Elections in 2026 • How to vote • How to run for office • Ballot measures Government Who represents me? • U.S. President • U.S. Congress • Federal courts • State executives • State legislature • State and local courts • Counties • Cities • School districts • Public policy Retrieved from " https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Rich_Nicoloff&oldid=11271298 " Categories : 2026 challenger 2026 general election 2026 primary (winner) Democratic Party South Carolina South Carolina House of Representatives candidate, 2026 State House candidate, 2026 State house candidates Information about voting” Source: Rich Nicoloff - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Rich_Nicoloff Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Education&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FRich_Nicoloff#corrections 5. Rich Nicoloff — Healthcare — supports Rich Nicoloff's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Healthcare: Rich Nicoloff is a photographer whose art can be seen in hospitals, medical office buildings, hotels & other commercial spaces across the country. Quote: “Rich Nicoloff is a photographer whose art can be seen in hospitals, medical office buildings, hotels & other commercial spaces across the country.” Source: Rich Nicoloff - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Rich_Nicoloff Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Healthcare&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FRich_Nicoloff#corrections 6. Rich Nicoloff — Taxes and spending — supports Rich Nicoloff's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Taxes and spending: Our students deserve better & I intend to end the funneling of tax dollars away from our public schools. Quote: “Our students deserve better & I intend to end the funneling of tax dollars away from our public schools.” Source: Rich Nicoloff - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Rich_Nicoloff Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Taxes+and+spending&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FRich_Nicoloff#corrections 7. Rich Nicoloff — Campaign finance — supports Rich Nicoloff's Ballotpedia questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Campaign finance: Campaign finance summary Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets . Quote: “Campaign finance summary Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets .” Source: Rich Nicoloff - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Rich_Nicoloff Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Campaign+finance&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FRich_Nicoloff#corrections 8. Rich Nicoloff — Election integrity — supports Rich Nicoloff's ballotpedia.org questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Election integrity: Rich Nicoloff (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for South Carolina House of Representatives District 17 without appearing on the ballot. Quote: “Rich Nicoloff (D) advanced from the Democratic primary for South Carolina House of Representatives District 17 without appearing on the ballot.” Source: South Carolina House of Representatives District 17 - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/South_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_District_17 Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Election+integrity&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FSouth_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_District_17#corrections 9. Rich Nicoloff — Election integrity — supports Rich Nicoloff's ballotpedia.org questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Election integrity: The candidate list in this election may not be complete. Quote: “The candidate list in this election may not be complete.” Source: South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/South_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_elections,_2026 Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Election+integrity&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FSouth_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_elections%2C_2026#corrections 10. Rich Nicoloff — Infrastructure — supports Rich Nicoloff's ballotpedia.org questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Infrastructure: Atwood Tom Hartnett  (i) District 111 Wendell Gilliard  (i) District 112 Jenna Arsenault   Joe Bustos  (i) District 113 Courtney Waters  (i) District 114 Kelly Hough   Gary Brewer  (i) District 115 Nick Uricchio Johnnie Garmo Quote: “Atwood Tom Hartnett  (i) District 111 Wendell Gilliard  (i) District 112 Jenna Arsenault   Joe Bustos  (i) District 113 Courtney Waters  (i) District 114 Kelly Hough   Gary Brewer  (i) District 115 Nick Uricchio Johnnie Garmon District 116 Clay N.” Source: South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/South_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_elections,_2026 Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Infrastructure&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FSouth_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_elections%2C_2026#corrections 11. Rich Nicoloff — Cost of living — supports Rich Nicoloff's ballotpedia.org questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Cost of living: District 96 Vivian Elston * Perry Finch Hunter Hackett Scotty Whetstone District 97 Cathy Jaggars *   Robby Robbins * (i) District 98 Sonja Ogletree Satani * Greg Ford * (i) District 99 Jacob Goddard Samuel Price Jarrod Brooks Kristy Gore David Quote: “District 96 Vivian Elston * Perry Finch Hunter Hackett Scotty Whetstone District 97 Cathy Jaggars *   Robby Robbins * (i) District 98 Sonja Ogletree Satani * Greg Ford * (i) District 99 Jacob Goddard Samuel Price Jarrod Brooks Kristy Gore David Herndon Shawn Pinkston District 100 Crystal Campbell * Sylleste Davis * (i) District 101 Roger Kirby  (i) Martin Cunningham Cheryl Lane Arnie Borowsky * District 102 Montez Aiken Katie McCravy Harriet Holman * (i) District 103 Carl Anderson  (i) Wendell Padgett The Republican primary was canceled.” Source: South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/South_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_elections,_2026 Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Cost+of+living&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FSouth_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_elections%2C_2026#corrections 12. Rich Nicoloff — Public safety — promised Rich Nicoloff's ballotpedia.org questionnaire answer indicates a stated position on Public safety: District 104 George Blumenthal * William Bailey * (i) District 105 David Wilson *   Kevin J. Quote: “District 104 George Blumenthal * William Bailey * (i) District 105 David Wilson *   Kevin J.” Source: South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/South_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_elections,_2026 Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Public+safety&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FSouth_Carolina_House_of_Representatives_elections%2C_2026#corrections 13. Rich Nicoloff — Cost of living — promised Rich Nicoloff's greenvilledemocrats.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Cost of living: Forgot password? Will they? Won’t they? What will the verdict be in South Carolina on the redistricting issue? Ever since Trump and his brain trust figured out that they may lose big time in the midterms, they have been working overtime to sabotage the midterm elec Quote: “Forgot password? Will they? Won’t they? What will the verdict be in South Carolina on the redistricting issue? Ever since Trump and his brain trust figured out that they may lose big time in the midterms, they have been working overtime to sabotage the midterm elections so that he and his highly unpopular war with Iran, tariffs, and other governing misadventures in an out-of-control economy that is flattening American consumer’s pocketbooks and crunching their buying power will not be labeled a “LOOZER!” The solution: bully Republican-led states to redraw their congressional district maps so that the numbers come out in their favor, even if it means eliminating minority-held districts that are the most reflective of its voting constituents. Apparently, cheating is their only way to claim victory! Henry McMaster, South Carolina governor and major Trump puppet (suck-up), ordered the South Carolina General Assembly back in session one day after it officially ended on Thursday, May 14 to rethink and redo their initial vote on redistricting.The sine die legislative session began Friday, May 15 at 11:00 and continues Monday, May 18.” Source: To Redistrict or Not to Redistrict, That is the Question! | Greenville County Democratic Party — https://greenvilledemocrats.com/to-redistrict-or-not-to-redistrict-that-is-the-question/ Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Cost+of+living&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fgreenvilledemocrats.com%2Fto-redistrict-or-not-to-redistrict-that-is-the-question%2F#corrections 14. Rich Nicoloff — Democracy and elections — supports Rich Nicoloff's greenvilledemocrats.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Democracy and elections: Forgot password? Equality and Justice seem to be principles being twisted and distorted in our politics and civil discourse today. Ideals that have stood for 244 years are being chipped away. But we’re not helpless to set things right. Toward that en Quote: “Forgot password? Equality and Justice seem to be principles being twisted and distorted in our politics and civil discourse today. Ideals that have stood for 244 years are being chipped away. But we’re not helpless to set things right. Toward that end, the GCDP is sponsoring a quarterly series of forums to help enlighten, educate, and empower Democrats. The first of the series – Democracy at a Crossroads – was held on Oct. 1. Democracy at a Crossroads Moderator and retired federal judge Ricardo Urbina leads a distinguished panel in this discussion. Panelists are: Frank Holleman, Teresa Nesbitt Cosby, and Shaundra Young Scott. © 2026 The Greenville Democratic Party 1300-J E. Washington St., Greenville, SC 29607 864.232.5531 headquarters@greenvilledemocrats.com Home Who We Are Events Blog Volunteer Links and Resources Contact” Source: Equal Justice Forums | Greenville County Democratic Party — https://greenvilledemocrats.com/equal-justice-forums/ Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Democracy+and+elections&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fgreenvilledemocrats.com%2Fequal-justice-forums%2F#corrections 15. Rich Nicoloff — Cost of living — promised Rich Nicoloff's greenvilledemocrats.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Cost of living: Forgot password? Filing for the 2024 election cycle has closed and our Democratic contenders are set. This year, the GCDP has identified six key seats currently held by Republicans as the most vulnerable. Known as Priority 6, those districts will be part of a coord Quote: “Forgot password? Filing for the 2024 election cycle has closed and our Democratic contenders are set. This year, the GCDP has identified six key seats currently held by Republicans as the most vulnerable. Known as Priority 6, those districts will be part of a coordinated campaign to provide them with the best support systems, strategies, and tools to win or to gain significant ground. In addition, the party has identified six more Protect 6 seats, currently held by Democrats, that we need to defend. There are other Democratic candidates as well, including four races that will have primaries. Those with primaries are: County Council District 25, State House District 25, State Senate District 7, and US House District 3. See the complete list of candidates. We are gathering information on candidates for a page on this site, including bios/campaign statements, contact information, social media links, and volunteer opportunities. We hope to have that available by April 9.” Source: 2024 Democratic candidates are ready to rumble | Greenville County Democratic Party — https://greenvilledemocrats.com/2024-democratic-candidates-are-ready-to-rumble/ Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Cost+of+living&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fgreenvilledemocrats.com%2F2024-democratic-candidates-are-ready-to-rumble%2F#corrections 16. Rich Nicoloff — Jobs and economy — opposes Rich Nicoloff's greenvilledemocrats.com source gives a direct Tier 1 answer on Jobs and economy: The Color Purple: How Will it Look on SC? By Roxanne Cordonier1st vice president, DWGC Being a Democrat in South Carolina is very much like being a blue dot in a sea of red. One of the complaints I’ve […] Continue Reading April 2, 2026 April 2, 2026 Now it Quote: “The Color Purple: How Will it Look on SC? By Roxanne Cordonier1st vice president, DWGC Being a Democrat in South Carolina is very much like being a blue dot in a sea of red. One of the complaints I’ve […] Continue Reading April 2, 2026 April 2, 2026 Now it’s our turn By Stacey MarsChair, GCDP On a hot, summer day in July 1960, eight students, Margaree Seawright Crosby, Joan Mattison Daniel, Benjamin Downs, Elaine Means, Dorris Wright, Hattie Smith Wright, Willie […] Continue Reading October 25, 2025 October 25, 2025 Candidates aren’t manufactured in political backrooms They grow up in local communities, PTAs, nonprofits, and small businesses. By Stacey MarsChair, GCDP I often get the question: “Why don’t we have Democrats running against Republicans?” The simple […] Continue Reading September 14, 2025 September 14, 2025 We don’t have to be witnesses; We must be warriors By Laura HaightPresident, DWGC Lately, the news is little more than deep dive into authoritarianism. Several election related moves should have us all concerned. The DOJ last month announced it […] Continue Reading” Source: Candidates Archives | Greenville County Democratic Party — https://greenvilledemocrats.com/category/candidates/ Report source issue: https://www.ballotvibe.com/trust?election=sc-candidate-profile-enrichment&claimReference=Rich+Nicoloff+%E2%80%94+Jobs+and+economy&sourceUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fgreenvilledemocrats.com%2Fcategory%2Fcandidates%2F#corrections Use this as a portable race comparison snapshot; verify live sources before making final voting decisions.