News Summary
Early voting has begun for the Spartanburg County Republican Party primary featuring significant races for sheriff and the County Council District 3 seat. Nine candidates are vying for the sheriff position following the controversial resignation of former Sheriff Chuck Wright, while six candidates compete for the council seat previously held by David Britt. Voters can participate in early voting until August 1, with the primary elections scheduled for August 5. The outcomes will shape local governance and public safety in the community.
Spartanburg, SC – Early voting for the competitive Spartanburg County Republican Party primary is officially underway, with two crucial special elections set for November 4. The primary elections, which will take place on August 5, feature a crowded field of candidates vying for significant positions: Sheriff of Spartanburg County and a seat on the Spartanburg County Council District 3.
Nine Republican candidates are competing for the position of Spartanburg County Sheriff. The candidates include Robert J. Cheeks, Andy Clark, Rusty Clevenger, Adam Crisp, Nick Duncan, Randy Hollifield, Joseph A. Pilato, Bill Rhyne, and Richard “Ric” Stephens. The winner of the GOP primary is guaranteed a spot on the general election ballot, as there will be no opposing challengers.
In addition to the sheriff’s race, six candidates are also seeking the Republican nomination for the Spartanburg County Council District 3. Those running are Paul Abbott, Bryan Alverson, Tim Burrell, Caylus Goodson, Jason Lynch, and Stephen Mathis. The primary winner will face Democrat Kathryn Harvey and Forward Party candidate Sarah Gonzalez in the general election, increasing the stakes for this election cycle.
Early voting is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until August 1, at the Spartanburg County Administration Building located at 366 North Church Street in Conference Room 1. Voters are advised to bring a valid photo ID and are encouraged to verify their registration status and review sample ballots on the state’s election website, scvotes.gov.
The background of these elections is marked by significant recent events. The special election for sheriff comes following the resignation of former Sheriff Chuck Wright on May 23, who stepped down amid controversy after more than 20 years in office, citing personal health issues as a contributing factor. Currently, Jeffery Stephens is serving as the interim sheriff while the race for Wright’s successor unfolds.
The county council special election is equally important, aimed at filling the seat previously held by David Britt, who resigned to join the South Carolina Public Service Commission earlier in May. This high level of interest in the upcoming elections can be attributed to the current vacancies and the potential impacts on public safety and local governance.
A potential runoff for the sheriff candidates would be scheduled for August 19 if needed, with early voting for that runoff planned from August 13 to 15. Candidates for the sheriff position have been addressing a variety of pressing issues, such as hiring new deputies, enhancing deputy salaries, improving morale within the force, and tackling overcrowding at the county detention center.
In July, a debate forum was held where candidates discussed methods for restoring trust in the sheriff’s office and fostering better community relations. This debate highlighted their commitment to ensuring public safety while upholding the constitutional rights of county residents, amid ongoing investigations into former Sheriff Wright by the State Law Enforcement Division. These investigations involve potential charges related to misuse of office, obtaining drugs through deceit, and breach of trust.
As election day approaches, the Spartanburg County Republican primary is generating considerable attention, with the outcomes poised to shape local law enforcement and governance for years to come. The competitive nature of this primary reflects both the candidates’ dedication to their campaigns and the community’s engagement in local government issues.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Early Voting in Sheriff & County Council GOP Primaries
- Spectrum Local News: Spartanburg County Sheriff News
- Tryon Daily Bulletin: Spartanburg County Sheriff Primary
- Go Upstate: Spartanburg County Sheriff Candidates
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg County Sheriff Election Forum
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- Google Search: Spartanburg County Sheriff Election
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg County Sheriff
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Google News: Spartanburg County Elections
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.
