News Summary
Residents of Spartanburg County are getting ready for the upcoming primary election on August 5, with nine Republican candidates competing for sheriff following significant leadership changes. With a focus on public trust and the future of local initiatives, voters are encouraged to verify polling locations. Additionally, candidates for the county council seat are addressing growth and development issues amidst the promising population increase expected by 2042. Runoff elections, if necessary, will take place later in August.
Spartanburg County residents are preparing to cast their votes for a new sheriff during the primary election on August 5, 2025. This election follows significant leadership changes in the county, including the resignation of former Sheriff Chuck Wright amid an ongoing FBI investigation, as well as the resignation of former County Councilman David Britt, who left to join the state’s public service commission.
A total of nine Republican candidates are vying for the sheriff’s position, while the race to fill Britt’s vacant county council seat has attracted eight candidates—six Republicans, one Democrat, and one third-party candidate. The sheriff race is open to all eligible voters across Spartanburg County, while only residents of Spartanburg County Council District 3 can participate in the council race.
If no candidate receives a majority of votes in the primary elections, runoffs are set to take place on August 19, 2025, ahead of the general election on November 4, 2025. Voting hours for the primaries will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters are encouraged to verify their polling locations either on their registration cards or by visiting scvotes.gov.
In light of logistical changes, it is important to note that two precincts have recently relocated their polling stations. Precinct 007 will now vote at St. John’s Lutheran Church instead of Pine Street Elementary School, and Precinct 065 has shifted from Roebuck Elementary School to Bethlehem Baptist Church.
John Baucom, the County Registration and Elections Director, affirmed that registered voters who do not participate in the primary will still have the opportunity to vote in the potential runoffs.
Key Issues and Candidates for Sheriff
The sheriff race presents key issues such as public trust and the future of the controversial Rolling Thunder initiative. The candidates include:
- Robert J. Cheeks: Former lieutenant at the sheriff’s office.
- Andy Clark: Retired deputy with nearly two decades of service.
- Rusty Clevenger: County coroner and former deputy.
- Adam Crisp: Current Lyman town council member and former deputy.
- Nick Duncan: Former corporal at the sheriff’s office.
- Randy Hollifield: Veteran of over 40 years in law enforcement.
- Joseph A. Pilato: Retired police officer and former jail chaplain.
- Bill Rhyne: Former deputy with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
- Richard “Ric” Stephens: Former State Department and UN employee.
County Council Race Dynamics
Meanwhile, the county council candidates are focusing on growth and development issues. Spartanburg County is projected to see a population increase of 179,000 residents by 2042, projecting the total population to surpass 541,000.
Disputes regarding the use of fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements (FILOTs) for attracting businesses have arisen among the council candidates. Bryan Alverson and Caylus Goodson have opposed the approval of FILOTs, while others favor a more measured approach. Tim Burrell is concentrating on environmental conservation but has not publicly stated a position on FILOTs.
Preparation for Primaries
The upcoming primary election follows a crowded field of candidates and strategic campaigning as they navigate essential local issues. Voters aiming to participate in the primaries must ensure they are registered by July 6, 2025, with early voting commencing on July 21, 2025.
As the elections draw near, Spartanburg County remains poised for significant political shifts that may shape the future of local governance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Public Forum for Spartanburg County Sheriff Candidates
Spartanburg County Republican Primary Kicks Off Early Voting
Early Voting Opens for Spartanburg County Republican Primary
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Nine Candidates Emerge in Spartanburg County Sheriff Race
Spartanburg Republican Party Offers Free Sheriff Candidate Forum
Spartanburg County GOP Shifts Sheriff Debate to Free Event
Nine Candidates Enter Race for Spartanburg County Sheriff
Candidates Enter Race for Spartanburg County District 3
Undocumented Immigrants Charged in Murder Case
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg County Sheriff Primary Elections
- GoUpstate: Special Election for Spartanburg County Council
- WYFF4: Spartanburg County Election Rumor Dispelling
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg County Republican Party Candidate Forum
- WSPA: Race Set for Spartanburg County Sheriff Election
- Wikipedia: Elections in the United States
- Google Search: Spartanburg County elections
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg County politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political System
- Google News: Spartanburg County Sheriff election
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.
