SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) -Spartanburg County voters will have nine candidates to choose from when casting their lot for who they think should be the new county sheriff.
The filing period for the August 5 primary election ended on Saturday.
The nine candidates running for the job represent years of law enforcement and government experience.
Among the first to file when the period opened last week were former Spartanburg County deputy Nick Duncan, Bill Rhyne of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger.
Since then, six other contenders have joined the race – Andy Clark, Ric Stephens, Randy Hollifield, Robert Cheeks, and Adam Crisp – each of whom has experience within the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. Joseph Pilato was the latest to throw his hat in the ring.
Not appearing on ballots this summer will be interim sheriff Jeff Stephens, who announced last week he would not run for office but instead focus on improving the sheriff’s office standing.
Anyone interested in voting in the August special election will need to ensure they are registered to vote. The last day to register will July 6.
Voters who turn 18 on or before the November general election are eligible to vote in the upcoming primary but must be registered in advance.
The primary election is scheduled for August 5. Given the crowded field, a runoff is likely and would be held on August 19. Early voting begins July 21.
