Analysis: Legislative Delegation Could See Major Shakeup in 2024

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

With the political season launching in less than two weeks, the picture for elections in Anderson County got a little more interesting this past week Anderson County Councilman John Wright, Jr.’s announcement that he will not only not run again for council, but for any other seat this election year.

Wright, 36, considered by many to be a frontrunner for the seat expected to be vacated by S.C. Sen. Richard Cash, decided after serious consideration to spend the next few years spending more time with his boys, ages one, five and seven, and revisit politics at a later time.  He’s got plenty of time and I wish him well. Good to see a politician who preaches family values practicing them in earnest. Look forward to his return sometime in the decade ahead.

His decision, however, could have a ripple effect on the Anderson County Legislative Delegation. While official filing for statewide office does not begin until March 16, the political winds currently blowing through the county could bring dramatic changes. I’ve written before about Sen. Cash’s likely run against U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan, which opens up his seat to challengers. 

Current Reps. April Cromer, Dist. 6, and Thomas Beach, Dist. 10, are both reportedly considering throwing their hats into the ring for the senate seat, which would open three of Anderson’s six house districts up for grabs, since Anne Thayer, Dist. 9, will retire when her term expires at the end of the year.  Former West Pelzer Mayor Blake Sanders, who has a decade of progressive experience in government, has announced his candidacy for Thayer’s seat. 

Potential candidates for the other races have kept quiet so far, perhaps waiting until the official filing date, but some candidates often seek to get ahead of the pack and announce early.

Sanders has made his declaration for the S.C. House Dist. 9 seat, and Anderson Businessman Chris Sullivan has announced his intentions to run for the Anderson County Council Dist. 1 seat when Wright steps down at the end of 2024. 

In the City of Anderson municipal elections, Thursday’s filing opening should offer a glimpse of who will run for one of the seats – two, four, six and at-large eight – on April 2. The city uses staggered terms, so only those seats are on the ballot this year.

As mentioned before, Anderson County will also choose a new solicitor in 2024, as veteran Solicitor David Wagner announced he will retire at the end of his current term. So far, one candidate, Micah Black, has announced intentions to seek that position.

I have written about it before, but choosing to serve the community as a public servant elected by the people is a noble thing, despite the example we see from some – especially national – elected officials.

If you are considering a run for public office, and understand the long hours and thankless nature that are part of the job, it’s a good year to find a place where you can serve. 

America’s political system, though far from perfect, is an amazing engine which has produced a lot of positive outcomes, not only for Anderson County, but for our country and the entire world. A politician is simply one who has chosen to participate in this system. It is not a dirty word. 

I know the majority of the men and women doing their part to serve our citizens in Anderson County, and the overwhelming majority are working to move an exceedingly large wheel in an exceedingly fine fashion. I know many of these elected officials and find them devoted to their communities. It is up to voters to decide who among candidates for these posts are most likely to serve the greater good.

Some get sidetracked on pet issues or projects and forget who they serve and why they were elected: to serve as a steward of the public trust to help the most people. It’s our job as citizens and voters to remind them we did not elect them to amplify their bully pulpits issues or the agenda of extremist groups whose roots are far from our county and state, and whose agendas do not resonate with most who live here.

Anderson owes a debt of gratitude, and an informed populace to challenge and keep on track, to the men and women who have chosen to serve as elected officials.