COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Democratic special election primary to fill the South Carolina Senate District 19 seat takes place Tuesday.
The seat became open after the death of Sen. John Scott in August. Scott was a longtime member of the Legislature and, over his 30 years of service, left behind a legacy of change for the rural communities he represented.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Richland County has provided a list of precincts that will be open. A valid photo ID is required to vote.
There are seven candidates vying for Scott's seat that will represent a large area north of the city of Columbia and unincorporated portions of northern Richland County. But on Tuesday, just four candidates, all Democrats, will be on the ballot for the primary.
Here's a look at all of the candidates running for the seat:
- Johnnie Cordero, (Democrat) political scientist who says "I'm not a politician, I'm a fighter."
- Rep. Kambrell Garvin, (Democrat) represents District 77 in the House, who says he believes it is important the community elects somebody that can be ready to lead and service the interests of the community
- Tameika Isaac Devine, (Democrat) lawyer, former prosecutor and City of Columbia Councilwoman, who says she believes it is important that the district have someone who is able to work with other senators as well as the members of the House.
- Javar Juarez, (Democrat) data analyst who says he's focused on growing business within the district
Here are the candidates who are already on the ballot for the special election, which will be January 2, 2024.
- Dr. Michael Addison, (Independent) semi-retired physician, who says he would like to get money for businesses in the district to expand through grants and small-interest rate loans.
- Chris Nelums, (United Citizens Party) pastor, entrepreneur who says he believes real change will come from the community standing up for itself. Nelums ran for Commissioner of Agriculture in 2022.
- Kizzie Smalls, (Republican) real estate agent, who says she's pro-business and community empowerment, for school choice, enhancing public safety, and government transparency.