Richland County Coroner Steamrolled in Re-Election

Sheriff cruises, County Council gets shakeup

 

20-year Richland County Coroner Gary Watts was crushed in his bid for a sixth term by fellow Democrat and Nurse Practitioner Naida Rutherford, 59% to 41%, in a countywide race that was marred by more polling problems that led to long wait times.

Rutherford, a well-known community activist rolled up big victories in Downtown Columbia and the most dense precincts. Rutherford ran on modernizing the coroner’s office.

 

 

 

Voters returned Sheriff Leon Lott for a seventh term in the Democratic Primary. Lott won every precinct in cruising to a victory over Jason Brown and A V Strong. Lott picked up 71% to 21% for Brown and 8% for Strong.

Voters took aim at incumbents in the Democratic Primaries for County Council.

Longtime Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson lost her District Two seat to Derrek Pugh in a close race, 50.48% to 49.52%.

In District Seven, Councilwoman Gwendolyn Davis Kennedy will have to come back on June 23rd after being forced to a runoff in a three-way race due to failing to get over 50%. Davis Kennedy will face Gretchen Barron in the runoff. Kennedy received 42% to Barron’s 36% in round one.

District Nine Councilman Chip Jackson fell just short of 50% in a four-way race, capturing 49.67%. On the 23rd, Jackson goes up against Jonnieka Farr, who received 24%.

Incumbent Dalhi Myers of District 10 will also be coming back on June 23rd. Cheryl English finished slightly ahead, 44% to 43%.

 

Preston Baines is a political analyst and can be reached at @prestonbaines on Twitter and prestonbaines@gmail.com.

 

 

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