News Summary
A special election for the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s position is scheduled following former Sheriff Chuck Wright’s resignation amidst controversies. Interim Sheriff Jeffrey Stephens will oversee the office until the election, set for November 4, 2025. Candidates include Randy Hollifield, Nick Duncan, Joseph Hawes, and Andy Clark, all aiming to restore public trust and transparency in law enforcement amid ongoing investigations.
Spartanburg, SC – A special election for the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s position is set for November 4, 2025, following the resignation of former Sheriff Chuck Wright on May 23. Wright’s departure came in the wake of controversies, including allegations of improper use of a county credit card and an ethics investigation tied to the hiring of his son.
In response to this vacancy, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Interim Sheriff Jeffrey Stephens to oversee the Sheriff’s Office until the election occurs. Stephens’ role emphasizes providing stability and maintaining public trust during this transitional period.
The filing window for candidates interested in running for the sheriff’s position will open from June 13 to June 21, 2025, with a filing fee of $6,138.89. The primary election is scheduled for August 5, 2025, and a potential runoff election will occur on August 19, 2025. Early voting for the primary will take place from July 21 to August 1, while early voting for the special election will run from October 20 to October 31.
Four candidates have already declared their intentions to compete for the sheriff’s position:
- Randy Hollifield: A captain with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Hollifield brings over 43 years of law enforcement experience, having led a highly ranked traffic division.
- Nick Duncan: A former investigator with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Duncan advocates for a fresh perspective and emphasizes the importance of transparency.
- Joseph Hawes: The police chief of Pacolet, Hawes has focused on rebuilding trust in his department after significant turnover. He prioritizes customer service and community engagement.
- Andy Clark: A former software administrator for the sheriff’s office, Clark seeks to improve community relations and enhance accountability in law enforcement.
All candidates are highlighting the importance of honesty and transparency within the sheriff’s office, especially in light of the recent issues surrounding Wright. They agree on the necessity of rebuilding community trust, ensuring consistency, and fostering open communication between law enforcement and the public.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office has been under scrutiny due to ongoing FBI investigations related to Wright’s actions during his tenure. The interim sheriff currently faces immediate challenges, including ensuring the office’s stability and gaining public confidence amid these transitions.
As the election approaches, the candidates will need to articulate their visions for the sheriff’s office and how they plan to restore public faith in the institution. The outcomes of both the primary and special elections will significantly shape the future of law enforcement in Spartanburg County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spartanburg County to Hold Special Elections
Sheriff of Spartanburg County Resigns Amid Controversy
South Carolina Solicitor David Pascoe Joins Republican Party
Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright Resigns
Sheriff Chuck Wright Resigns Amid Investigations
Chuck Wright Resigns as Sheriff of Spartanburg County
Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright Resigns Amid Investigation
Spartanburg County and City Council Prepare for Special Elections
Sheriff Chuck Wright Returns Amid FBI Investigation
David Britt Leaves Spartanburg County Council for Public Service Commission
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Chuck Wright’s Name Covered
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
- Go Upstate: Candidates for Spartanburg County Sheriff Emerge
- Google Search: Spartanburg County Sheriff election 2025
- Post and Courier: Chuck Wright Spartanburg Sheriff Oath Change
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg County Sheriff
- WYFF4: Spartanburg County Sheriff Special Election Dates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sheriff
- Fox Carolina: 4th Candidate Announces Run for Spartanburg County Sheriff
- Google News: Spartanburg Sheriff update
