Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- It will be a crowded primary ballot in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District in March with a total of 19 candidates from both parties.

State party officials say sixteen Republicans and three Democrats had filed for their party's nomination when the filing deadline expired at noon Monday.

The seat was left open when former congressman Tim Scott was appointed to the U.S. Senate.

Four sitting state lawmakers and former Gov. Mark Sanford, who is trying to make a political comeback, are among the Republicans seeking the seat.

The Democrats include Elizabeth Colbert-Busch, the sister of comedian and Charleston native Stephen Colbert.

The party primaries are March 19.