News Summary
Following former Sheriff Chuck Wright’s resignation due to health issues, nine Republican candidates have declared their intention to run for the vacant sheriff position in Spartanburg County. The special election is scheduled for August 5, with a possible runoff on August 19. As community expectations rise for transparency and accountability amid ongoing investigations, the candidates each bring unique law enforcement backgrounds and leadership philosophies. A public candidates’ forum is planned for July to facilitate voter engagement ahead of the election.
Spartanburg, SC – Nine candidates have entered the race to become the next Spartanburg County Sheriff following the resignation of Chuck Wright. The position became vacant when Wright stepped down in May after taking a leave of absence in April due to health issues.
All nine candidates are running as Republicans, as South Carolina’s election laws dictate that the winner of the special election will fill the vacancy until the general election in November. The special election is set for August 5, and if needed, a runoff will occur on August 19.
List of Candidates
The candidates vying for the sheriff’s seat include:
- Rusty Clevenger: Serving as the current Spartanburg County Coroner since 2008, Clevenger has a background as a sheriff’s deputy. He highlights the importance of honesty and results in leadership.
- Adam Crisp: A self-described seasoned law enforcement professional and public safety advocate.
- Ric Stephens: Possessing extensive global law enforcement experience, he has held roles with the United Nations and various state departments.
- Bill Rhyne: A veteran Marine and former Sheriff’s Deputy, Rhyne focuses on community safety and respect.
- Randy Hollifield: A captain with over 40 years of law enforcement experience, Hollifield previously led the county’s traffic division to a top rank.
- Joseph Hawes: Currently the Pacolet Police Chief, Hawes aims to rebuild community trust following a departmental collapse.
- Nick Duncan: A former investigator with previous experience running for sheriff, Duncan aims to bring a fresh perspective and emphasize transparency.
- Andy Clark: A former software administrator with over 19 years of service at the sheriff’s office, Clark also emphasizes transparency.
- Gregg Satterfield: Emphasizing accountability, integrity, and restoring trust in the community, Satterfield has officially announced his candidacy.
Political Context
The Spartanburg County GOP Chair, Frank Tiller, has scheduled a candidates’ forum for July to allow the public to engage with the candidates ahead of the special election. The official candidate filing period extends from June 13 to June 21.
Participants in this election must navigate a backdrop of ongoing investigations into the sheriff’s office by the FBI, related to controversies that arose during Wright’s tenure. This scrutiny has heightened community expectations that the incoming sheriff will prioritize transparency and accountability.
Interim Leadership
In the interim, Governor Henry McMaster appointed Jeffery Stephens as the acting sheriff. At this time, Stephens has not publicly announced any plans to run in the special election.
Looking Ahead
Voters are encouraged to participate actively, with the special election for the sheriff’s position due to take place on November 4, directly following the August primaries. The outcome of this race is likely to shape both the immediate response to the challenges facing the sheriff’s department and the long-term relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Spartanburg County Sheriff Candidates
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- Fox Carolina: Deputy Involved Shooting in Spartanburg
- Google Search: Spartanburg County Sheriff
- WSPA: Public Forum for Spartanburg Sheriff Candidates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Main Page
- WYFF4: The Race for Spartanburg County Sheriff
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.
