Benton Blount, a former contestant on the America’s Obtained Expertise tv present, has defeated incumbent Willis Meadows within the Republican main runoff for Greenville County Council District 19.
Blount gained by 379 votes — with 58% of the vote in comparison with Meadows’ 42% — in response to unofficial outcomes tabulated Tuesday night time.
Meadows has served as a member of County Council for practically 17 years, first elected in 2006, however the district on the northwest aspect of town of Greenville can have new illustration come January.
Since there aren’t any Democrats working for this seat in November’s basic election, Blount has successfully gained the election.
Blount stated he was pleased with working a “legit grassroots marketing campaign” the place he centered on points dealing with his district and never his opponent.
The musician ran on a platform of accelerating transparency, supporting native enterprise and enhancing infrastructure in his district.
“Actually, I simply occurred to be in District 19 providing to serve,” he stated earlier than the preliminary June 14 main.
Although Blount stated he has been politically lively since he was an adolescent, this was his first run for workplace.
“I simply all the time loved the dialog, and that form of grew with me touring and my music,” Blount stated. “Individuals knew that politically I used to be prepared to present my opinion, whether or not individuals preferred it or not.”
Meadows didn’t instantly reply to a cellphone name or e mail in search of remark Tuesday.
He stated earlier than the first that he ran for reelection as a result of he felt the district was in want of skilled management.
“I am the one candidate that ran on this marketing campaign who has a document,” Meadows stated earlier than the preliminary main. “I am a confirmed conservative. I am a confirmed chief. And I’ve confirmed that I can get issues accomplished.”
However Blount — and voters — felt it was time for change.
Earlier than they’re thought of official, the runoff outcomes should be licensed by the county board of elections. That certification will happen at midday on Thursday.
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– Tim Carlin covers county authorities, development and improvement for The Greenville Information. Observe him on Twitter @timcarlin_, and get in contact with him at TCarlin@gannett.com. You’ll be able to help his work by subscribing to The Greenville Information at greenvillenews.com/subscribe.