COLUMBIA --- Some Aiken County voters will have a chance to vote for a woman for the state Senate on Tuesday.

Republican Margaret Gamble, a former state representative and educator, is challenging Sen. Nikki Setzler, elected in 1977, to represent the 26th Senate District, which covers the eastern corner of Aiken County and parts of neighboring counties.

Ms. Gamble is one of only four female Senate candidates statewide. The only two women who served in the Senate during the past session will not return: Catherine Ceips, R-Beaufort, was ousted in the GOP primary, and Linda Short, D-Chester, retired.

Ms. Gamble faces tough odds, according to Skip Webb, a political consultant and one of the founders of the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics.

"I think that (a Gamble victory) would be very difficult," he said. "Nikki's been around a long time; he's very good at constituent services; and he's a strong supporter of public education."

The Setzler-Gamble contest is not the only one that will be appearing on ballots in the Aiken County area.

Depending on residency, voters can choose between Rep. Roland Smith, a Republican representing the 84th House District since 1989, and Democratic challenger Russell Curry.

In the 83rd House district, Rep. Don Smith, of North Augusta, is facing a challenge from Belvedere Democrat Judy Hamilton.

Two Edgefield lawyers are facing off for the District 25 state Senate seat. The district includes parts of Aiken, Edgefield, Saluda and McCormick counties. Incumbent Sen. Shane Massey, who was first elected in a special election last year, being challended by Democrat Greg Anderson.

The seat had been held by a Democrat for as long as many people can remember, and it's one that state and local Democrats hope to reclaim.

All House seats are up for election every two years and Senate seats every four years.