Rock Hill School Board member James Burns became the Republican nominee for South Carolina Senate District 15 on Saturday after finishing as the only Republican to file for the seat before the filing deadline passed.
Burns advances to the Nov. 3 special election without a primary contest. His Democratic opponent will not be settled until Sept. 1, when former York County Councilman Chad Williams and York County Democratic Party Secretary Monika White meet in a Democratic primary.
The seat covers a York County based district and became vacant when former Sen. Wes Climer resigned.
Democrats Face A September Primary
Williams brings prior county government experience to the Democratic primary, having served on York County Council. White has worked inside the county party organization as secretary.
The Sept. 1 primary gives the Democratic nominee roughly nine weeks to organize a general election campaign before voters go to the polls.
What Comes Next
The Democratic primary is scheduled for Sept. 1. The special election follows on Nov. 3. Voters with questions about registration status, precinct assignment or absentee ballots can contact the York County Board of Voter Registration and Elections.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
