Here's who has filed to run for Spartanburg County Sheriff: List
Five candidates have filed paperwork with South Carolina Election Commission, all of whom have filed as Republicans in the August 5 primary.
Sheriff salaries in the Upstate: Where does your county rank?
Candidates running in the special election had to pay a filing fee of about $3,000, which is prorated because of the partial term.
Candidates are listed below in alphabetical order.
In his letter announcing his bid for the seat of sheriff, Clark said he wants to help citizens, residents and visitors throughout Spartanburg County.
Clark started his career with the Spartanburg Police Department in March 2002, serving as a senior patrol officer and a field patrol officer. In October 2005, Clark began working with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, working as a property crimes investigator, a software systems administrator and records supervisor.
'I have the experience and knowledge to lead the sheriff's office and continue its mission to provide services to citizens that meet or exceed professional law enforcement standards, ensuring equal enforcement, and protection of the law without prejudice,' Clark said.
Clevenger, who has served as coroner since 2009, announced his candidacy for Spartanburg County Sheriff on Monday.
'I have dedicated my adult life to serving the people of Spartanburg County with transparency, compassion, and professionalism.' said Clevenger in a news release. 'The brave men and women of the Spartanburg Sheriff's Office deserve a leader who protects their integrity and shields them from politics so they can focus on protecting our community.'
Clevenger said his campaign for sheriff will focus on restoring trust in law enforcement, increasing transparency, supporting deputies and ensuring public safety is 'free from political agendas.'
Nick Duncan, a Laurens County native, worked as a paramedic with Spartanburg County EMS before he joined the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office in 2014. He announced a run for sheriff in March 2024, but lost the primary election in June.
Duncan previously said that, if elected, he would focus on drug issues impacting the county as well as working on community relations and transparency in the office.
Duncan encouraged voters to decide what they want from their elected leaders.
'Just look at everybody, figure out what you want from your elected officials, and what beliefs most align with yours and make a good, educated decision.' Duncan said.
Bill Rhyne announced his bid for the seat of sheriff on June 3.
A northern Spartanburg County native, Rhyne joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from Chapman High School. He worked for the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office as a resident deputy and then for the South Carolina Highway Patrol in the Upstate as a public information officer and community relations officer. Rhyne retired as lieutenant and executive commander.
After retirement, he became the director of training for American Services. He also was able to return to SCHP as a community outreach coordinator.
'This campaign isn't about politics. It's about people,' Rhyne said. 'It's about making sure our communities are safe, heard, and respected. It's about being present, well-reasoned in our actions, and building a sheriff's office that truly serves every corner of Spartanburg County.'
Richard 'Ric' Stephens served in the Army National Guard from 1982-1992, according to his website. Later, Stephens worked for the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office from 1996-2002 in various positions. He retired from work in law enforcement in 2015.
'In doing this, I learned the complexity of the sheriff's office and how extremely important it is for you as an employee to understand and use all the county resources allocated,' Stephens said.
In an interview with 7NEWS, Stephens explained that his bid for sheriff is personal, after losing a family member was killed by a drug dealer in Spartanburg County.
'The sheriff's office has a dedicated professional workforce, with my leadership we will focus on issues that affect the taxpayers the most (traffic, drugs, and crime) I will give immediate results,' he added.
The primary will be held on August 5 while the special election is set to be held on November 4, which is the date of the 2025 general election.
Early voting for the primary will be held from July 21 through August 1 while early voting for the special election will run from October 20 through October 31.
A primary runoff would be held on August 19, if necessary, with early voting from August 13 to August 15.
Full schedule for special election:
June 13 – Candidate filing opens
June 21 – Candidate filing closes
July 21 – Early primary voting begins
August 1 – Early primary voting ends
August 5 – Primary election
August 13 – Primary runoff early voting begins (if necessary)
August 15 – Primary runoff early voting ends (if necessary)
August 19 – Primary runoff election
October 20 – Special election early voting begins
October 31 – Special election early voting ends
November 4 – Special Election
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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