View candidates for: Chesterfield County | Darlington County | Dillon County | Florence | Florence County | Lee County | Marion County | Marlboro County | Williamsburg County | Third Circuit Solicitor | Fourth Circuit Solicitor
Four sheriff's office races top the list of contests in this year's elections through the Pee Dee.
It’s likely the winner of the Democratic primary in Darlington County will be elected sheriff in November, while in Florence County, a former sheriff is running against his former protegee.
In Marion County, it appears the current sheriff will be challenged by a former member of the sheriff’s office, and in neighboring Dillon County, the longtime incumbent is facing opposition from a state Department of Natural Resources veteran.
Coroner: (Incumbent Donnie Baker is not seeking re-election.)
- Jim Foxworth: Foxworth could not be reached to provide additional information by press time.
- Kip Kiser
Age: 44
Hometown: Cheraw
Family: Wife, Janice Atkinson Kiser; two children, Rachel, 18, and Graham, 14
Party: Democratic
Education: Graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta
Experience: Owns Kiser Funeral Home in Cheraw and has 25 years of funeral service experience - Craig Walker
Age: 42
Hometown: Patrick
Family: Wife, Betty Walker; two children, Scotty and Kamryn
Party: Democratic
Education: S.C. Justice Academy for Coroners,
Experience: Walker has been the Chesterfield County Deputy Coroner for four years. He's also been a paramedic 12 years and worked as a U.S. Army medic for 10 years.
Auditor
- No candidates filed as of Thursday. Incumbent Johnny Jenkins is not seeking re-election after 19 years in office.
Clerk of Court
- Name: Faye Sellers (incumbent)
Age: 60
Hometown: Chesterfield
Family: Husband, Ronald Sellers; one adult daughter; two grandchildren
Party: Democrat
Education: Chesterfield High School graduate
Experience: Serving sixth year in office
Treasurer
- Name: Kathy Sheeler (incumbent)
Age: 57
Hometown: Chesterfield
Family: Husband Tom Sheeler; one son
Party: Democrat
Education: Chesterfield High School graduate
Experience: Serving first years as treasurer, with 35 years of experience working in the treasurer’s office
Council District 1
- No information about candidate filings was available as of Thursday. Eddie Rivers is the incumbent.
Council District 5
- Name: Frank ’Frankie’ Plyler (incumbent)
Age: 58
Hometown: McBee
Family: Wife; one daughter; one granddaughter
Party: Democrat
Education: Jefferson High School graduate
Experience: Serving his sixth year on council
Council District 6
- Name: Lenora Powe (incumbent)
Age: 61
Hometown: Patrick
Family: One son
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Johnson C. Smith University and physical therapy certification from the University of Pennsylvania
Experience: Two terms on Chesterfield County Council
Council District 7
- No information about candidate filings was available as of Thursday. Matt Rivers is the incumbent.
Council District 9
- No information about candidate filings was available as of Thursday. Robert Cole is the incumbent.
Chesterfield County School Board District 5
- Name: Thomas R. King, Jr.
Chesterfield County School Board District 6
- Name: Tarain Love
Sheriff
- Jerry Wayne Byrd
Age: 42
Hometown: Society Hill
Family: Wife, Jennifer Flowers; two children, Will, 7, and Mary Hunter, 4
Party: Democrat
Education: Associate degree in industrial electronics from Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College; Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from American InterContinental University
Experience: Society Hill Police Department, 1987-89; Darlington Police Department, 1989-present, serving as captain - Tom Gainey
Age: 55
Hometown: Conway; grew up near Hartsville
Family: Wife, Martha Gainey; one daughter, Nikki
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor of Science in business administration from Coker College in Hartsville
Experience: Florence Police Department, 1975-77; Hartsville Police Department, six years; has served as Darlington County chief deputy sheriff since 1996 - Charles Woodle
Age: 45
Hometown: Dillon
Family: Wife, Cindy Woodle; one stepson, Eric
Party: Democrat
Education: South Florence High School graduate; S.C. Police Criminal Justice Academy graduate
Experience: Began career at the Lamar Police Department where he serves chief; worked at Francis Marion University as a police officer before working at the Florence County Magistrate’s Office as a constable; worked for the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years before returning to Lamar
Coroner
- J. Todd Hardee
Age: 44
Hometown: Darlington
Family: Wife, Jenny; two children, Templin, 18, and Sandy, 14
Party: Democrat
Education: Johns School of Mortuary Science in Atlanta
Experience: Has served as Darlington County coroner since 2000 and worked in funeral homes since 1978
Auditor
- Name: Rosa D. Hudson (incumbent)
Age: Not available
Hometown: Darlington
Family: Husband Jacob K. Hudson; four children
Party: Democrat
Education: St. John’s High School graduate; earned associate degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College
Experience: First elected in 1992 as Darlington County auditor
Clerk of Court
- Name: Scott Suggs (incumbent)
Age: 45
Hometown: Darlington
Family: Wife Angie Suggs; two daughters, Bradlee and Logan
Party: Democrat
Education: St. John’s High School graduate
Experience: First elected in 1996; serving his third term as Darlington County clerk of court
Treasurer
- Name: Belinda D. Copeland (incumbent)
Party: Democrat
Experience: Became the first woman elected to Darlington County Council in 1978 and was later its first female chairman; has served as county treasurer since 1985; served as president of the South Carolina Association of Counties in 2006
Copeland could not be reached to provide additional information by press time.
Council District 1
- Name: Billy Baldwin (incumbent)
Age: 73
Hometown: Darlington
Family: Wife Anne Baldwin; three children
Party: Republican
Education: St. John’s High School graduate; college courses at Francis Marion University
Experience: First elected to council in 2004; serving as council chairman - Name: Brenda P. Broach
Hometown: Darlington
Family: one adult daughter
Party: Democrat
Education: St. John?s High School graduate and two years at Seminole College in Sanford, Fla.
Experience: Darlington County Human Resources Manager for 15 years
Council District 3
- Name: Wilhelmina Johnson (incumbent)
Age: Not available
Hometown: Lee County; raised in Sumter County
Family: Four children and a grandchild
Party: Democrat
Education: Master’s degree from South Carolina State University
Experience: First elected to Darlington County Council 20 years ago
Council District 5
- Name: Marvin Le Flowers (I)
Age: 43
Hometown: Darlington
Family: Married to Martha Flowers for 21 years and has a son, Julian, and daughter, Julia
Party: Republican
Education: Bachelor?s degree from Coker College
Experience: Elected to Darlington County Council in 1993 and has served on council for 15 years
Council District 7
- Name: Alex “Buz” Shaw (incumbent)
Party: Republican
Shaw could not be reached to provide additional information by press time. - Name: David Stanton
Party: Republican
Soil and Water Conservation Board (one non-paying seat)
- No candidates filed as of Thursday. Alton Jeffords, James Chapman and Edward K. Segars are incumbents.
Sheriff
- Major Lee Hulon
Age: 56
Hometown: Dillon
Family: Wife, Cynthia Campbell; two children, Paula Leanne Collins, 30, and Marshall Hulon, 28
Party: Democrat
Education: Associate degree in accounting from Florence-Darlington Technical College
Experience: Retired from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division in 2003 after 25 years - n Harold Grice (I): Grice could not be reached to provide additional information by press time.
Coroner
- Daniel G. Grimsley
Age: 71
Hometown: Dillon
Family: Wife, Silvia Grimsley; two sons and two daughters
Party: Democrat
Education: Not available
Experience: Has been Dillon County coroner for 24 years
Clerk of Court
- Gwen Hyatt
Age: 58
Hometown: Dillon
Family: Husband, Don Hyatt; a daughter
Party: Democratic
Education: Associate degree in business from Florence-Darlington Technical College
Experience: 16 years as clerk of court; previously deputy clerk for six years
Council District 1
- Macio Williamson (I)
Age: 60
Hometown: Dillon
Family: Wife, Margaret Williamson; two daughters and one son
Party: Democratic
Education: Associate’s in educational experience from Newtown Community College in Dillon
Experience: 25 years on county council
Council District 3
- Robert Archie Scott
Party: Democratic. Scott couldn’t be reached by press time. - Name: Cullen Bryant
Party: Democrat
Council District 4
- Aaron Gandy (I)
Party: Democratic. Gandy couldn’t be reached by press time.
Mayor
- Frank Willis (I)
Age: 66
Hometown: Darlington
Family: Wife, Marguerite Willis
Party: Democratic
Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina
Experience: 13 years as mayor, previously appointed to Florence County Economic Development Authority (now Florence County Economic Development Partnership) for five years
- Stephen J. Wukela
Age: 32
Hometown: Florence
Family: Wife, Laura Wukela; three sons, Stephen, 4, Thomas, 2, and William, 5 months
Party: Democratic
Education: Juris doctor from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science from Clemson University
Experience: Ran unsuccessfully against state Sen. Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, in 2004
Council (two at-large seats)
- Thurmond Becote
Age: 54
Hometown: Florence
Family: Wife, Linda C. Becote; six children
Party: Democratic
Education: Associate degree in computer technology from Florence-Darlington Technical College
Experience: Serving a first term on Florence School District 1’s Board of Trustees - Bobby Holland (I)
Age: 64
Hometown: Florence
Family: Wife, Anne Holland; son, Robert Holland III
Party: Republican
Education: Master’s degree in business management from Webster University in Myrtle Beach; bachelor’s degree in general studies from Francis Marion University; associate degree in civil engineering from Florence-Darlington Technical College
Experience: 13 years on city council - Steve Powers
Age: 52
Hometown: Jacksonville, N.C.
Family: Wife, Susan Powers; son, Jason Powers
Party: Democratic
Education: Studied psychology at the University of South Carolina in Beaufort
Experience: Three years on the City of Florence Design Review Board (appointed; currently vice chairman) - Octavia Williams-Blake
Age: 35
Hometown: Florence
Family: Husband, Charlie Blake; daughter, Hannah Ryan, 2
Party: Democratic
Education: Law degree from the University of South Carolina, bachelor’s in public affairs and history from Columbia College
Experience: Appointed by Gov. Mark Sanford to the S.C. Commission for the Blind - Glynn Willis
Age: 58
Hometown: Chesterfield
Family: Wife, Sandra B. Willis; two children, Lauren, 17, and Glynn Willis Jr., 35
Party: Republican
Education: Bachelor’s degree in sociology from Coker College, associate’s degree from Wingate College, graduate of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy’s Highway Patrol Training Class
Experience: 11 years on Florence County/Municipal Planning Commission (chairman since 2004); one year on Florence City Planning Commission before commission consolidated with the county - Rick Woodard (I)
Age: 47
Hometown: New Bern, N.C.
Family: Wife, Jean Ann Woodard; a son and daughter
Party: Republican
Education: Bachelor’s in business administration from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.
Experience: 13 years on city council, served on Florence airport commission
Sheriff
- William Kenney Boone
Age: 41
Hometown: Florence
Family: One son, one daughter
Party: Republican
Education: Associate degree in criminal justice from Florence-Darlington Technical College
Experience: Joined the Florence County Sheriff’s Office in 1987; elected sheriff in 2000 - Jimmy Gregg
Age: 58
Family: Wife, Marianne; two sons, Jay and Charlie
Party: Democrat
Education: Graduated from Spartanburg Methodist College
Experience: Began career in 1974 at the Florence County Sheriff’s Office; served as Florence County coroner for 12 years before being elected sheriff in 1992, serving until 2004 when he decided not to seek re-election
Coroner
- M.G. “Bubba” Matthews
Age: 58
Hometown: Florence
Family: Wife, Laurie Matthews; two daughters, Shawn Dodd and Chasity Evans
Party: Democrat
Education: S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, associate’s degree in criminal justice from Florence-Darlington Technical College.
Experience: Served in the U.S. Army’s medical division, 1969-1971; Florence County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy, 1977-1983; elected Florence County coroner in 1992
Clerk of Court
- Connie Reel-Shearin (I)
Age: 51
Hometown: Lake City
Family: Husband, Tom Shearin
Party: Democratic
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Charleston
Experience: Two terms as clerk of court; 28½ years total in clerk’s office
Treasurer
- Dean Fowler Jr. (I)
Age: 58
Hometown: Florence
Family: Wife, Gail Fowler; a son, Dean Fowler III; daughters Melody and Deanne; twin grandchildren
Party: Republican
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of South Carolina
Experience: Serving second term as county treasurer
Council District 2
- Ken Ard (I)
Age: 44
Hometown: Pamplico
Family: Wife, Tammy; children Jesse, 17; Mason, 16; Libby, 4
Party: Republican
Education: Attended Wofford College; graduated from Hannah-Pamplico High School
Experience: Serving first term on county council
Council District 4
- Mitchell Kirby (I)
Age: 52
Hometown: Timmonsville
Family: Wife, Gaye Kirby; two daughters and seven grandchildren
Party: Democratic
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Francis Marion University
Experience: 16 years on county council - Kenny McAllister
Party: Democratic. McAllister could not be reached by press time. - Name: Betty Dowling
Hometown: Timmonsville area (Ebenezer section of Florence County)
Family: Married to Thomas Dowling for 41 years and has four children
Party: Republican
Education: South Florence High School graduate
Experience: Elected in 2005 to serve on the Florence School District 4 School Board and currently is vice-chair
Council District 5
- Johnnie Rodgers Jr. (I)
Age: 52
Hometown: Scranton
Family: Two sons; one daughter; two grandchildren
Party: Democratic
Education: Lake City High School graduate
Experience: Six years on county council (one full term, completed unexpired term of John L. “Dinky” Miles) - James A. Wilson
Party: Democratic. Wilson could not be reached to provide additional information by press time.
Council District 9
- Dr. Morris Anderson (I)
Age: 71
Hometown: Timmonsville
Family: Wife, Ann Anderson; three children: Hank Anderson and Catherine Vann, attorneys, and Neil Anderson, a teacher
Party: Republican
Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia; preveterinary studies at Clemson University
Experience: Serving first term on county council, Florence School District 1 Board of Trustees from 1979-85, two terms as Florence County Republican Party chairman in the 1960s
Sheriff
Calls to Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Ulysses Sweeney were not returned by press time. It’s unclear whether these men who announced their intention to run for Marion County sheriff had filed to do so:
- Mark Richardson (I)
Party: Democrat
Experience: Serving first term as Marion County. Richardson could not be reached to provide additional information by press time. - Dewayne K. Tennie
Age: Not available
Hometown: Not available
Family: Wife, Tanisha; two daughters, Karyana and Kenya; a son, Dwayne “D.J.” Jr.
Party: Democrat
Education: Britton’s Neck High School graduate; S.C. Criminal Justice Academy graduate
Experience: 13 years in law enforcement, including five years as a Mullins Police Department officer followed by eight years as a Marion County sheriff’s deputy, later serving as a captain
Coroner
- Jerry Richardson
Age: 62
Hometown: Marion
Family: Wife, Mary Lou Richardson; three children, Jeri Masterson, 40, Brad, 37, and Jason, 31
Party: Democrat
Education: Kentucky School of Mortuary Science
Experience: Has served as Marion County coroner since 1976
County Clerk of Court
- Sherry Richardson Rhodes (I)(D)
Age: N/A.
Hometown: Marion
Family: married to Billy M. Rhodes and has three sons and three grandchildren
Party: Democrat
Education: Marion High School graduate and Palmer Junior College
Experience: took office in 2001 and is seeking a third term
County Council District 1
- John Q. Atkinson, Jr. (I)(D)
Age: 54
Hometown: Marion
Family: married to Patricia Atkinson and has one child
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor of Business from The Citadel along with commercial lending certi-fication form East Carolina University, University of South Carolina, Louisiana State University and the University of South Carolina Institution of Governments
Experience: current chairman of Marion County Council serving in his 17th year, board member of the Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments and former board member of the S.C. Association of Counties
County Council District 2
- Eloise W. Rogers (I)(D)
Age: 69
Hometown: Marion
Family: married for 51 years to Howard Rogers and has two children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild
Party: Democrat
Education: Marion High School graduate, two Associates degrees from Carolina College of Commerce
Experience: she is seeking her second term on Marion County Council - Name: Cynthia H. Legette
Party: Democrat
County Council District 4
- Allen W. Floyd (I)(D)
Age: 55
Hometown: Mullins
Family: married to Dawn Floyd and has two children, Crissy and Dusty
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor's degree from Francis Marion University
Experience: has served three terms on Marion County Council
County Council District 4
- Cynthia Furnace Lawes
Age: 34
Hometown: Marion
Family: N/A
Party: Democrat
Education: Brooks College and University of California-Los Angeles
Experience: volunteering for various civic organizations
County Council District 6
- Hollis Martin (I)(D)
Age: 62
Hometown: Mullins
Family: married 43 years to Betty Martin and has two children and two grandchildren
Party: Democrat
Education: Mullins High School graduate
Experience: been on council sine 2001
County Soil and Water Conservation
- None filed as of March 27
Sheriff
- E.J. Melvin (I): Melvin could not be reached to provide additional information by press time.
Coroner
- It’s unclear whether incumbent Alfred Elmore has filed to run for re-election.
Clerk of Court
- Name: Sherry Richardson Rhodes (incumbent)
Age: Not available
Hometown: Marion
Family: Husband Billy M. Rhodes; three sons; three grandchildren
Party: Democrat
Education: Graduate of Marion High School and Palmer Junior College
Experience: Took office in 2001
Probate Judge
- Name: T. Carroll Atkinson III (incumbent)
Age: 61
Hometown: Marion
Family: Wife, Susanne Cook Atkinson; three children Troy, Susanne and Lucas
Party: Democrat
Education: Marion High School graduate; earned a business administration degree from Newberry College
Experience: Took office in July 1987
Council District 1
- Name: John Q. Atkinson Jr. (incumbent)
Age: 54
Hometown: Marion
Family: Wife Patricia Atkinson; one child
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business from The Citadel along with commercial lending certification from East Carolina University, University of South Carolina, Louisiana State University and the University of South Carolina Institution of Governments
Experience: Chairman of Marion County Council serving in his 17th year; board member of the Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments; former board member of the South Carolina Association of Counties
Council District 2
- Name: Eloise W. Rogers (incumbent)
Age: 69
Hometown: Marion
Family: Husband Howard Rogers; two children; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild
Party: Democrat
Education: Marion High School graduate; two associate degrees from Carolina College of Commerce
Experience: Serivng her first term on Marion County Council
Council District 4
- Name: Allen W. Floyd (incumbent)
Age: 55
Hometown: Mullins
Family: Wife Dawn Floyd; two children, Crissy and Dusty
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Francis Marion University
Experience: Has served three terms on Marion County Council - Name: Cynthia Furnace Lawes
Age: 34
Hometown: Marion
Family: Not available
Party: Democrat
Education: Brooks College and University of California-Los Angeles
Experience: Volunteering for various civic organizations
Council District 6
- Name: Pearly Britt (incumbent)
Age: Not available
Hometown: Mullins
Family: Not available
Party: Democrat
Education: Mullins High School graduate
Experience: Serving first term on council; retired Marion County game warden; retired from the U.S. Army and and is a Korean War veteran - Name: Hollis Martin
Age: 62
Hometown: Mullins
Family: Wife Betty Martin; two children; two grandchildren
Party: Democrat
Education: Mullins High School graduate
Experience: Previously served on council from 2000 to 2004
Soil and Water Conservation
- No candidates filed as of Thursday. Fletcher Johnson Jr. is an incumbent.
Sheriff
- Fred Knight (I)
Age: 58
Hometown: Marlboro County
Family: Wife, Kay; three sons, Harris, 24, Joseph, 14, and Jake, 8
Party: Democrat
Education: Not available
Experience: Cheraw Police Department in 1972-76; State Law Enforcement Division, 1976-2004, retired as a lieutenant; serving first term as Marlboro County sheriff
Coroner
- Timothy E. Brown
Age: 57
Hometown: Bennettsville
Family: Widower. Brown has two stepchildren, Kevin Hale, 24, and Jessica Hale, 25
Party: Democratic
Education: Certification in dental technology from the Medical University of South Carolina
Experience: Brown has been Marlboro County coroner for 24 years.
Clerk of Court
- Bill Funderburk (I)
Party: Democratic. Funderburk couldn’t be by press time.
Treasurer
- Name: Delorice Barrington
Age: 54
Hometown: Blenheim
Family: Husband, Jerry Barrington; a son, daughter and stepdaughter; one grandchild
Party: Democratic
Education: Associate degree in business from Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College (now Northeastern Technical College)
Experience: 12 years as county treasurer; previously served 12 years as county auditor
Council District 2
- Name: Willie Gladden
Party: Democratic
Gladden could not be reached to provide additional information by press time. - Name: Jeff Quick (incumbent)
Party: Democratic
Quick could not be reached to provide additional information by press time.
Council District 3
- Incumbent Mickey Rogers is not seeking re-election.
- Name: J.P. Dowd Jr.
Party: Democratic
Dowd could not be reached to provide additional information by press time. - Name: Ron Munnerlyn
Party: Democratic
Munnerlyn could not be reached to provide additional information by press time.
Council District 5
- Name: Carolyn Price (incumbent)
Party: Democratic
Price could not be reached to provide additional information by press time.
Council District 6
- Name: Ken Allen (incumbent)
Party: Democratic
Allen could not be reached to provide additional information by press time. - Name: Verd Odom
Party: Democratic
Odom could not be reached to provide additional information by press time.
Sheriff
- Kelvin Washington
Age: 39
Hometown: Hemingway
Family: Wife, Patricia Washington; three children, Courtney, 17, and twins Kelvin Jr. and Kelsey, 12
Party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from American InterContinental University; Master’s Degree in criminal justice from Troy University
Experience: Began career in 1990 at Florence Police Department; joined the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office in 1993 and was elected sheriff in 1998
Coroner
- Harrison McKnight
Hometown: Kingstree
Family: Wife, Jannie Lue; four sons, Spencer, 30, Jakeema, 27, Harrison B. III, 25, and Terrell Gamble, 27
Party: Democrat
Education: Student at the University of South Carolina
Experience: Has served as Williamsburg County coroner since 1977
No candidates’ filing information was available by press time.
Clerk of Court
- Carolyn Williams is the incumbent.
Probate Judge
- Rudell Gamble is the incumbent.
Council District 3
- Harry Darby is the incumbent.
Council District 4
- Eddie Woods Jr. is the incumbent.
Council District 5
- Andy McKnight Jr. is the incumbent.
Third Circuit Solicitor
(Clarendon, Lee, Sumter and Williamsburg counties)
- It’s unclear whether incumbent C. Kelly Jackson has filed to run for re-election.
Fourth Circuit Solicitor
(Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon and Marlboro counties)
- Will Rogers
Hometown: Bennettsville
Family: Wife, Debora “Mickey” McKay; daughter, Kasey, 10, son, William, 6
Party: Democrat
Education: Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law; degree in business finance from the University of South Carolina in Columbia
Experience: Has served as 4th Circuit assistant solicitor for 11 years; commissioner for the Bennettsville Housing Authority Board of Directors; partner with Elizabeth Munnerlyn at Rogers & Munnerlyn P.A. law firm in Bennettsville
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