News Summary
The Republican primary for Spartanburg County Council District 3 is moving to a runoff between Paul Abbott and Jason Lynch. Both candidates secured significant votes against four other contenders. The runoff election is scheduled for August 2025, following growing discussions on economic development and campaign financing. With early voting and a critical focus on voter turnout, the candidates are gearing up to engage the community ahead of the general election against Democrat Kathryn Harvey and Forward Party candidate Sarah Gonzalez.
Spartanburg County Council District 3 Republican Primary Heads to Runoff
The Republican primary for the Spartanburg County Council District 3 has reached a critical point, as the race has narrowed down to two candidates: Paul Abbott and Jason Lynch. The runoff election is set to take place on August 19, 2025, following a primary election held on August 5, 2025.
Six Republican candidates initially competed for the District 3 seat, which became vacant after the resignation of former Councilman David Britt earlier this year in May. With both Abbott and Lynch securing over one-third of the votes cast, they successfully outmaneuvered four other contenders vying for the position.
Candidates’ Backgrounds
Paul Abbott, a retired businessman, has previously served on the Cowpens town council and held the position of magistrate judge. His experience in both business and local governance positions him as a familiar figure in the community.
In contrast, Jason Lynch is an in-house legal counsel for OTO Development who has established himself as a business-friendly lawyer. Lynch has a focus on legal matters within the development sector, which aligns well with the economic growth priorities of the county.
Key Issues in the Race
Growth and economic development emerged as pivotal issues in the primary race. The Spartanburg metro area stands out as one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, with projections estimating an addition of 179,000 residents by 2042, reaching a total population of over 541,000.
Both Abbott and Lynch have indicated a willingness to evaluate tax breaks on a case-by-case basis. This stance differentiates them from other candidates in the primary who expressed opposition to such agreements, marking a notable area of policy focus going into the runoff.
Campaign Funding and Voter Engagement
Regarding campaign finances, Jason Lynch emerged as the frontrunner, raising $38,500, while Paul Abbott raised $15,561.50, which included a $10,000 loan. These figures reflect the competitive nature of the primary and the emphasis both candidates are placing on their campaigns as they head into the runoff.
Early voting for the runoff will occur from August 13-15, 2025, with polling hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voter turnout tends to be low in runoff elections, prompting both candidates to stress the critical importance of participation in the electoral process.
General Election and Broader Context
The runoff winner will go on to face Democrat Kathryn Harvey and Forward Party candidate Sarah Gonzalez in the general election scheduled for November 4, 2025. This election comes in the wake of changes after former Sheriff Chuck Wright’s resignation amid an FBI investigation, making the District 3 seat particularly significant in shaping the local government’s response to ongoing demographic transitions and economic challenges.
Notably, there will be a concurrent runoff for the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s position on the same day, featuring candidates Bill Rhyne and Rusty Clevenger. These elections illustrate a dynamic period for Spartanburg County as it navigates leadership changes and growth opportunities.
In summary, the upcoming runoff election for the Spartanburg County Council District 3 pits two distinct candidates against one another, each positioned to approach the county’s pressing economic issues differently. As both candidates gear up for the final push, constituents will have a critical role to play in determining the direction of local governance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spartanburg County Gears Up for Sheriff Primary Election
Audit Reveals Discrepancies in Spartanburg Sheriff’s Helicopter Program
Rural King Opens First Store in Spartanburg
Closure of Cannons Campground Road Bridge Disrupts Spartanburg
Road Construction and Economic Growth in Upstate South Carolina
FabLogix Expands Operations in Spartanburg County
Free Back-to-School Haircuts for Local Children
Spartanburg County Suspends Controversial Rolling Thunder Operation
Joseph Czuba Dies in Prison After Hate Crime Conviction
Spartanburg County Republican Primary Kicks Off Early Voting
Additional Resources
- WSPA: Spartanburg County Special Election Results
- WYFF: Spartanburg County Sheriff Election Results
- GoUpstate: What to Know to Vote in Spartanburg County GOP Primary
- Wikipedia: Elections in Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER 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.
