---
title: "Ballentine, Zimmerman Vie for House District 71 Seat"
url: https://www.herelexington.com/2026/10/14/ballentine-zimmerman-vie-for-house-district-71/
date: 2026-10-14T09:51:14-04:00
modified: 2026-10-14T09:51:14-04:00
author: "HERE Irmo"
categories: ["Politics"]
site: "HERE Lexington"
attribution: "HERE Lexington"
---

# Ballentine, Zimmerman Vie for House District 71 Seat

> IRMO, S.C. — Irmo voters in House District 71 will choose between longtime Republican Rep. Nathan Ballentine and Democratic challenger Julie Zimmerman on Nov. 3, with early voting set for Oct. 19 through Oct. 31. District 71 covers portions of Richland and Lexington counties, including Chapin, Dutch Fork and Irmo communities. Ballentine, 55, lives in

*Source: [HERE Lexington](https://www.herelexington.com/2026/10/14/ballentine-zimmerman-vie-for-house-district-71/) — October 14, 2026 by HERE Irmo*

IRMO, S.C. — Irmo voters in House District 71 will choose between longtime Republican Rep. Nathan Ballentine and Democratic challenger Julie Zimmerman on Nov. 3, with early voting set for Oct. 19 through Oct. 31.

District 71 covers portions of Richland and Lexington counties, including Chapin, Dutch Fork and Irmo communities. Ballentine, 55, lives in Chapin and has served in the South Carolina House since 2005. Zimmerman, 51, is a licensed therapist who has lived in Irmo for nearly 25 years.

Ballentine said his work for the Chapin, Dutch Fork and Irmo area is rooted in people over politics and pointed to votes cutting the grocery sales tax and income taxes. Zimmerman said she is running to give voters a choice and focus on cost of living, public schools, mental health care and responsible growth.

Ballotpedia lists Ballentine as the current District 71 representative. South Carolina House members serve two-year terms without term limits.

Both candidates answered a local questionnaire on tax reform, artificial intelligence and local priorities ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.