The field for the November general election has narrowed after voters cast their votes in the June 11 primaries.
Of Barnwell County’s 12,750 registered voters, 2,100 turned out – 1,570 Republican voters and 530 Democratic voters. This equates to a 16.47 percent voter turnout, according to unofficial results provided by the Barnwell County Voter Registration & Election Office.
Of those who voted, 1,387 votes were cast on election day, 646 were done during early voting, and 67 were by absentee ballot.
Sheriff’s race
In the race for Barnwell County sheriff, two candidates were vying for the Republican nomination.
Incumbent Sheriff Steven “Grits” Griffith won re-election with 1,413 votes. Challenger Stephen Gunnells received 148 votes.
“I thank each of you who came out and voted, or voted early, to re-elect me in the primary as Sheriff of Barnwell County. I would also like to thank you all for the prayers, support and encouragement I received. I am deeply humbled by your trust and confidence in me, and your sheriff’s office,” said Griffith, who also thanked his wife, family and close friends for their help.
While the results didn’t turn out as he’d hoped, Gunnells said it was a learning experience. “I have learned that God always has a plan,” said Gunnells, who thanked his supporters and congratulated Griffith on his win.
Griffith now advances to the November election where he will be the only candidate. There are no Democratic challengers.
Barnwell County Council District 3
In the race for the District 3 seat on Barnwell County Council, two people sought the Republican nomination in the primary.
Andy Hogg won with 181 votes while David Peachey received 162 votes.
“I am honored and humbled by the support. I applaud David Peachey for a hard-fought race. As always, I will strive to put our community first and be a servant of all people to better Barnwell County,” said Hogg.
In congratulating Hogg on his victory, Peachey said he hopes Hogg “supports the constituents of our district and our county with the highest regard while fulfilling this position.”
Hogg will face Democratic candidate Willie Walker in the November general election.
Barnwell County Council District 7
In the race for the District 7 seat on Barnwell County Council, three people were running for the Republican nomination.
Travis Hooper won with 265 votes. Alan Kennedy received 96 votes while Johnnie Zorn received 48.
“Unfortunately, this election did not go as we would have liked. I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who supported me and helped me along the way. I'd also like to ask that you pray for the ones who will be elected in November that they put God first and that the citizens of Barnwell County be their priority,” said Kennedy.
Zorn said he is "greatly and sincerely thankful" to each person who exercised their right to vote, regardless of who they voted for. Though he didn't win, he is glad to have brought attention of some "issues and innovative idea of what and where our county should go. I will remain a voice for my community, just as my campaign slogan was, by still advocating for the things our community needs," said Zorn, who congratulates Hooper on his election.
There are no Democratic candidates, so Hooper will be the only candidate in November.
S.C. House District 91
In the Republican primary, two candidates ran for the S.C. House District 91 seat.
Ben Kinlaw received 1,242 votes districtwide, which includes Barnwell, Allendale and Orangeburg counties. This included 1,038 votes in Barnwell County and 32 in Allendale County. Demaris Johnson received 600 votes across the district, including 474 in Barnwell County and 47 in Allendale County.
“I want to thank everyone who voted for me. We are already working on the Nov. 5th election,” said Kinlaw.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me during my campaign. I wish Mr. Kinlaw the best of luck come November,” said Johnson.
Kinlaw will face Democratic incumbent Rep. Lonnie Hosey on Nov. 5.
S.C. Senate District 40
In the Democratic primary, two candidates ran for the S.C. Senate District 40 seat.
Incumbent Brad Hutto received 5,153 votes from across the district, which includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Orangeburg. Of that total, local votes included 385 votes from Barnwell County and 300 from Allendale County. Challenger Kendrick Brown received 2,055 votes, including 135 from Barnwell County and 88 from Allendale County.
After attending the Barnwell County Democratic Party’s fish fry recently, Hutto said, “It was clear in speaking to everyone in attendance that education, affordable housing, and curbing gun violence are priority concerns for voters, and I will continue to fight to address those issues at the State House.”
Though he came up short in votes, Brown thanks everyone that supported his campaign. “My number one goal was to inspire people to go after their dreams and be the change they want to see. I’ll never stop fighting for our communities and the future generations that will one day run the world. Family, friends, voters, and supporters, you all have given me the inspiration to keep fighting for a better future for all of us,” said Brown.
Sen. Hutto will face Republican candidate Sharon Carter on November 5.
U.S. House of Representatives District 2
Republican and Democratic primaries were held for the U.S. House of Representatives District 2 seat.
On the Republican side, incumbent Joe Wilson won with 34,292 votes districtwide, including 1,162 votes in Barnwell County. Challenger Hamp Redmond received 12,085 votes districtwide, including 373 in Barnwell County.
On the Democratic side, David Robinson II won with 16,299 votes, 340 of which were from Barnwell County voters. Daniel J. Shrief received 3,093 votes, including 94 from Barnwell County voters.
Rep. Wilson and Robinson will face off in the November 5 general election.
Check your voter registration info at
scvotes.gov.
