John MacCarthy

John MacCarthy is the Democratic candidate for South Carolina House of Representatives District 27 in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against incumbent David Vaughan (R).[1][2] A retired physicist and systems engineer who now teaches physics part-time at Wofford College, he lists energy policy, affordability and public education among his priorities.[2][3]

According to Ballotpedia, John MacCarthy graduated from Elko High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Carleton College in 1976, a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1982 and a graduate degree from George Mason University in 2008.[2] In a Ballotpedia survey, he said he began his career as a physics professor at Muhlenberg College and then spent 23 years as a systems engineer in technical management roles, including Deputy Director of TRW's Center for Advanced Technology, technology and policy advisor to a Pentagon executive and Director of the University of Maryland's Systems Engineering Education Program.[3]

MacCarthy said he and his wife retired and moved to Simpsonville in 2020, where he is a part-time adjunct lecturer of physics at Wofford College and a member of the Simpsonville Rotary and Chamber of Commerce.[3] He said his campaign priorities include lowering residential electricity rates relative to industrial rates and improving public schools by following the recommendations of teachers, citing the Palmetto State Teachers Association's 2026 agenda.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.