I Voted Stickers from 2023. (Provided by Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections)
NORTH CHARLESTON — A former Charleston County school board member won a Democratic primary Tuesday for a seat in the state House of Representatives.
Because no Republicans registered to run, primary winner Courtney Waters will run unopposed in the March 25 general election, basically guaranteeing her a place in Statehouse.
Receiving nearly 70% of the vote, Waters easily defeated Michelle Brandt, the state Democratic Party’s third vice chair, who finished with 28% of votes cast, and Kim Clark, who received less than 2%.
“We all know that the real work starts now,” Waters wrote on her Facebook page. “Together, we’ll fight for affordable childcare, stronger schools, economic justice, and a brighter future for North Charleston.”
Waters is set to replace former Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, who resigned his North Charleston seat last year amid accusations that he had tried to pay off a former legal client.
Pendarvis won reelection in his unopposed race in November after election officials said they did not receive his letter withdrawing until the day after the election. He declined to accept his seat, triggering a special election.
Only about 4% of the district’s more than 20,000 registered voters cast ballots, as the Lowcountry faced snow and freezing temperatures.
She is set to become the 35th Democrat in the 124-seat chamber.
Last week’s surprise resignation of Rep. Will Wheeler, D-Bishopville, further depleted the House Democratic Caucus for at least the rest of the regular session.
A special election to fill the seat representing all of Lee County and parts of Sumter and Kershaw counties is set for June 3. Candidates can file for the seat between noon Feb. 7 and Feb. 15.