Five incumbents were re-elected, but Butler B. Hare of the 3rd congressional district was defeated in the Democratic primary by W.J.

Incumbent Democratic Congressman L. Mendel Rivers of the 1st congressional district, in office since 1941, was unopposed in his bid for re-election.

Incumbent Democratic Congressman John J. Riley of the 2nd congressional district, in office since 1945, was unopposed in his bid for re-election.

Incumbent Democratic Congressman James P. Richards of the 5th congressional district, in office since 1933, was unopposed in his bid for re-election.

Incumbent Democratic Congressman John L. McMillan of the 6th congressional district, in office since 1939, won the Democratic primary and defeated Progressive Party candidate James E. Prioleau in the general election.