Sanders, Biggs Win Runoff Election Races

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Former West Pelzer Mayor Blake Sanders will be the new representative for South Carolina House Dist. 9, after Tuesday’s spirited runoff elections.

Sanders took 1,885 votes to opponent James Galyean’s votes in an election that got more than a little testy going into the runoff.

“I am humbled at the outpouring of support from all of District 9,” said Sanders. “I am thankful to have such a large supportive group of family and friends. I look forward to working for you, the people, as your Representative. Thank you to Representative Thayer for her support over the years and while I will never to be able to fill her shoes, I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”

Sanders took big wins in Williamston and the Williamston Mill precincts, with 499 of 626 possible votes, while Galyean failed to post overwhelming numbers in precincts he won handily in the primary, especially in and around the City of Anderson. He faces no opposition in November.

The runoff attracted nearly twice the average runoff voters, with 12.1 percent of eligible voters voting.

In the race for United States House Dist. 3, Air National Guard Lt. Col. Sheri Biggs led throughout the evening over Easley Pastor Mark Burns. Biggs

“Tonight is not the end of the campaign,” wrote Biggs in her victory speech. “We continue to work to ensure victory in November.”

Biggs won with 7,927 votes to Burns 6,963 votes. She will face Democrat Bryon Best in the November general election.