News Summary
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, eight candidates have entered the race for the vacant District 3 seat on the County Council following the resignation of former Councilman David Britt. This competitive election sees six Republicans, one Democrat, and one centrist candidate vying for a position that will have significant implications for local governance and growth policies. The special primary election is scheduled for August 5, with the general election set for November 4.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – A total of eight candidates have stepped forward to compete for the vacant Spartanburg County Council District 3 seat, which was left open following the resignation of former Councilman David Britt in May 2025. Britt departed from his long-standing role to take a position with the South Carolina Public Service Commission. The new representative will serve the remainder of Britt’s term, which concludes on January 1, 2029.
The filing deadline for the District 3 seat ended at noon on June 14, 2025. Among the candidates are six Republicans, one Democrat, and one centrist with the Forward Party. The district itself covers significant areas, including Cowpens, Pacolet, parts of the city of Spartanburg, and several unincorporated regions in eastern Spartanburg County.
David Britt, a Republican, held his Council seat since 1991 and was noted for his efforts in attracting businesses to the region, particularly the BMW Manufacturing facility. His departure has prompted a competitive race among candidates aiming to continue his legacy or bring about change.
Republican Candidates
Among the candidates seeking the Republican nomination is Bryan Alverson, who is making another bid for the seat after losing to Britt by 25 points in the prior Republican primary. Alverson’s campaign is focused on controlling county growth and eliminating property taxes.
Also in the running is Caylus Goodson, who advocates for “new generation conservative leadership” and emphasizes the importance of infrastructure improvements and fiscal restraint. Another candidate, Jason Lynch, serves as general counsel for OTO Development and aims to be a business-friendly representative while promoting responsible growth.
Stephen Mathis, who previously faced Britt in 2016, is running as well, focusing on representing the residents of the district and advocating for what he calls “intelligent growth.” New candidates Paul Abbott and Tim Burrell are also among the Republicans vying for the seat.
Democratic and Centrist Candidate
In the Democratic corner, Kathryn Harvey, chair of the Spartanburg County Democratic Party and a small business owner, stands as the only candidate from her party. Her platform emphasizes government transparency and quality education. Harvey previously ran for the U.S. House against Rep. William Timmons in 2024 and will advance to the general election without facing any Democratic challengers.
Lastly, Sarah Gonzalez is representing the Forward Party, a centrist alternative aiming to appeal to voters dissatisfied with the traditional two-party system.
Upcoming Elections
A special Republican primary election is scheduled for August 5, 2025, which will coincide with other local partisan elections, including the race for sheriff. The general election will take place on November 4, 2025, alongside the regular local elections for positions such as the school board and municipal offices.
A total of five individuals have declared their candidacy for the sheriff position, including Andy Clark, Rusty Clevenger, Nick Duncan, Bill Rhyne, and Richard “Ric” Stephens. The filing period for these candidates will close on June 21, 2025.
The upcoming elections will not only determine who will fill the empty council seat but also shape the leadership landscape in Spartanburg County, especially in the context of pressing issues such as growth control, taxation, and community development.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Candidates Enter Race for Spartanburg County District 3
Fayat Group Expands Operations in Fairfield County
BridgeGaps Real Estate Acquires Lively Drayton Mills Complex
Tensions Rise in Downtown Los Angeles Amid ICE Raids
Keishan Scott Wins Special Election in South Carolina
Upcoming Special Election for Spartanburg County Sheriff
Wofford College Hosts Civil Discourse Event
Spartanburg’s Bethlehem Center to Get $11 Million Upgrade
Local Leaders Defend BMW Spartanburg Against Navarro’s Claims
Spartanburg County to Hold Special Election for Sheriff
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg County Council Cracks Down on Sheriff’s Office Funding
- GoUpstate: Comments at Spartanburg Council Meeting Focus on Cut in Sheriff’s Pay
- WSPA: Residents React to Spartanburg Co. Council Cutting Sheriff’s Salary in Half
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg County Cuts Sheriff’s Salary by 50%
- Greenville Online: Spartanburg Council to Decrease Sheriff’s Salary; Candidates Respond
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- Google Search: Spartanburg County Council
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg County Politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg County
- Google News: Spartanburg Elections 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
