COLUMBIA, S.C. — With primary day in South Carolina fast approaching, one of the key races is the contest to replace State Senator Mia McLeod, who decided not to seek re-election.
McLeod was one of six female senators who worked to try and stop the six-week abortion ban that’s now law in South Carolina.
Now, three Democrats are vying for her spot and are facing off for their party’s nomination.
Three candidates are seeking the Democratic primary nomination for District 22, which spans from Columbia to northeast Richland County and into part of Kershaw County.
The candidates are:
- State Representative Ivory Thigpen
- Richland County Council Member Overture Walker
- Richland Two School Board Member Dr. Monica Elkins
They all have goals for the seat, but different visions.
“Hate crime legislation. We’re coming up on the 10-year anniversary of the Emanuel 9 killing and sadly, it was the Senate who failed to pass hate crimes this year," said Rep. Ivory Thigpen (D-Richland).
“The first primary goal that I would like to consider is education. Being a former elementary teacher and principal, I know how hard our teachers work, and they deserve a higher salary and pay,” said Dr. Monica Elkins, Richland Two School Board member.
"Economic development. What’s most important to our residents are jobs that pay a livable wage, that's something I've worked on for the past 4 years on Richland County Council, said Overture Walker, Richland County Council member.
The candidates also shared why they believe they are the best fit for the seat.
“I’m the only elected official with State House experience," Thigpen said. "I have the relationships, the knowledge, the trust. We are in a super minority, potentially in both houses, and that requires the type of negotiation mediation."
“It's best to choose another woman," Elkins said. "A woman, qualified woman, just left that seat, so why not replace her with another qualified person? As I stated before I am homegrown. I’ve been doing the work for decades.”
"19 years in the legal profession, serving as a municipal court judge, serving as a public defender, serving as a former prosecutor, in addition to 4 years of serving on Richland County Council, 2 of which I served as the chair," added Walker.
With three candidates running, there is a possibility of a runoff if none of them receives 50 percent or more of the vote on Tuesday.
No Republican filed for the race, so the winner of this contest will face a candidate from the Workers Party in November.