News Summary
Seven candidates have officially announced their candidacy for the special election in Spartanburg County’s District 3, after the resignation of long-serving council member David Britt. Five Republicans, including Alverson, and two Democrats, Kathryn Harvey and Sarah Gonzalez, are vying for the positions. The special election is set for November, with a primary in August. Additionally, voters will elect a new sheriff on the same day, following Sheriff Chuck Wright’s resignation due to health issues. This election is crucial for Spartanburg County’s leadership amid significant public interest.
Spartanburg, SC – Seven candidates have officially entered the race for the special election in Spartanburg County’s District 3, following the resignation of longtime council member David Britt. Britt resigned in May to accept a new position on the South Carolina Public Service Commission, creating a vacancy that has drawn multiple aspiring council members.
Five candidates are vying for the Republican nomination, including Alverson, a previous challenger to Britt in the 2024 Republican primary. Details regarding the other Republican candidates have yet to be disclosed. On the Democratic side, Kathryn Harvey, the chair of the local Democratic Party, announced her candidacy on June 13. Harvey previously ran unsuccessfully against Rep. William Timmons for the 4th Congressional District seat, focusing her current campaign on local issues such as community safety, support for first responders, road maintenance, and access to quality education. Additionally, Sarah Gonzalez represents the Forward Party, which seeks to offer a centrist alternative to the traditional two-party system.
The special election for District 3 is slated for November 4, 2025. The primary election will take place earlier on August 5, 2025, with a potential runoff scheduled for August 19, 2025. Notably, Spartanburg County voters will also be electing a new sheriff on the same day as the District 3 special election.
The vacancy in the sheriff’s office was created after Sheriff Chuck Wright resigned due to a recent health diagnosis. As of now, nine candidates have declared their intention to run for the sheriff position; however, Gregg Satterfield has withdrawn his candidacy as of June 10. The filing fee for candidates in the sheriff’s race is $6,138.89, which has been prorated due to Wright’s resignation.
Among the candidates for sheriff are Richard Stephens, who brings decades of federal law enforcement experience and intends to prioritize combating drug issues. Bill Rhyne has nearly 30 years of experience and has held various roles within the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Rusty Clevenger, currently serving as the Spartanburg County Coroner, has over 16 years of experience managing a county department. Adam Crisp, who describes himself as both a business owner and an elected official, advocates for a new approach to law enforcement. Candidates have underscored the significance of transparency in leadership and engagement with the community.
In preparation for the transition in leadership, the Spartanburg County Council has voted to set the starting salary for the new sheriff at $100,000, accompanied by an additional stipend of $15,000. This decision comes after the former sheriff, Chuck Wright, earned a salary of $219,000 plus a $15,000 stipend. The council aims to establish a more conservative baseline salary amidst uncertain economic conditions, though some candidates are concerned that this reduced salary may deter experienced candidates from entering the race. It is noteworthy that the new sheriff’s salary will be lower than that of sheriffs in neighboring counties, such as Greenville County and Anderson County.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office plays a crucial role in the local government, employing a staff of over 500 individuals. With significant public trust and responsibility at stake, the upcoming elections for both District 3 and the sheriff’s office are pivotal events for Spartanburg County’s residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Monument Celebrates Spartanburg’s Black History
Innovative Startups from South Carolina Named Finalists
Spartanburg Woman Arrested on Multiple Charges Including Murder
Foothills Motorsports Celebrates 23 Years of Growth in South Carolina
South Carolina Startups Shine in Sloss Tech Pitch Competition
Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board Resigns Over Political Interference
Jack Ciattarelli Wins GOP Nomination for New Jersey Governor
Spartanburg County Sheriff Faces Federal Investigation
Keishan Scott Wins Special Election in South Carolina
Keishan Scott Wins South Carolina House District 50
Additional Resources
- WSPA: Spartanburg County Sheriff Candidates
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County
- Fox Carolina: Special Election Dates Spartanburg Co. Sheriff
- Google Search: Spartanburg County Sheriff Election
- WYFF4: Spartanburg County Sheriff Candidates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- Independent Mail: Spartanburg Council Decrease Sheriff’s Salary
- Google News: Spartanburg County Sheriff
- Police1: S.C. County Cuts Sheriff’s Salary
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.
