News Summary
The upcoming municipal elections in Spartanburg are heating up, with economic growth and development at the forefront. Incumbent Mayor Jerome Rice faces off against challenger James Jones in a competitive race for the mayoral seat. Both candidates offer contrasting visions for the city’s future, focusing on various development projects, while other council district races also feature galvanized candidates. As Spartanburg continues to manage rapid growth, discussions on public safety and community interests remain central to the campaigns.
Spartanburg – The upcoming municipal elections are heating up in Spartanburg as issues of growth and economic development dominate the conversation. The Republican primary for the County Council District 4 seat has set the stage for a competitive race, which mirrors the dynamics of the city council campaign, particularly in the mayoral race between incumbent Mayor Jerome Rice and challenger James Jones, an attorney.
Mayor Rice is vying for a second term and is facing a robust challenge from Jones. Both candidates hail from Spartanburg and have differing visions regarding the city’s future. Rice emphasizes the positive developments in Spartanburg, including recent economic growth driven by projects like the construction of Fifth Third Park and the initiation of the Hub City Spartanburgers, a minor league baseball team. He describes the proposed Project Core as an exceptional opportunity, which includes investments in a new baseball stadium, a hotel, office spaces, and residential apartments. Rice’s campaign rhetoric highlights a city on the rise, claiming stronger economic indicators and improved living conditions for families.
Jones, on the other hand, presents a contrasting perspective, asserting that Rice has built a cozy relationship with developers at the expense of community interests. He positions himself as an advocate for the people, insisting he remains independent from special interests, claiming to be “unbossed and unbought.” He critiques Rice’s approach to downtown development projects, arguing that not all community members have benefitted from the recent surge of economic activity. Despite the tension, both candidates share a commitment to ensuring public safety and supporting youth initiatives.
In the background of these mayoral contests, a broader context of local governance unfolds. Rice currently serves as a student transition coordinator for Spartanburg School District 7, where Jones also holds a position as a member of the school board. Additionally, in City Council District 4, businessman Jamie Fulmer is seeking a third term, facing off against community health nurse Dawn Maddux. Maddux has raised concerns about the rapid growth of Spartanburg, drawing comparisons to Nashville, which suffered from mismanagement and over-tourism as it expanded.
Fulmer counters these concerns by expressing confidence in Spartanburg’s sustainable growth trajectory and shows support for Project Core and other developmental efforts. He emphasizes the importance of managed and responsible growth, seeking to preserve the unique character of Spartanburg in the face of rapid change.
The municipal elections also feature races in other districts. In District 2, multiple candidates, including Patrick Anderson, Jeff Parks, Leslie Rodgers, and Josh Summers, are competing for the unexpired term left by Rob Rain, who transitioned to a position with the South Carolina Ports Authority. Janie Salley is running unopposed for reelection in District 5, while Erica Brown has no opposition in District 6.
The City of Spartanburg Commission of Public Works is another focal point for voters, with three candidates, Octavia Amaechi, Mike Fowler, and Dylan Swaingim, contesting for a board position overseeing the Spartanburg Water System. Economic development remains robust within Spartanburg County, highlighting its appeal as an investment destination. In 2024, the county attracted 23 economic development projects, resulting in a capital investment of $745 million and the creation of 1,220 new jobs. OneSpartanburg Inc. has promoted these achievements despite ongoing economic uncertainties, positioning Spartanburg as a model for development, while local leaders continue to navigate growth management issues.
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Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg County Council Primary
- Upstate Business Journal: Economic Development in Spartanburg County
- Fox Carolina: Top Economic Projects in Spartanburg
- Greenville Business Magazine: Business Narrative on Economic Development
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg County Leaders and Jobs
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- Google Search: Spartanburg economic development
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg jobs growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Google News: Spartanburg news
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.
