RICHLAND COUNTY, SC — Incumbents held leads in several school board races in Richland County, though long lines and late-into-the-evening voting left many ballots to be counted late Tuesday.
As late as four hours after polls closed, many were still in line waiting to cast their ballots, especially in parts of Northeast Richland.
In the Richland 2 race — which had essentially become a referendum on Superintendent Katie Brochu’s administration — it appeared that voters were leaning toward continuing with current school board leadership in the election to fill three at-large seats.
In the Midlands’ largest school district, incumbents Calvin “Chip” Jackson and Susan Brill held leads, with half the precincts reporting, along with political newcomer Jennifer Richter.
In Richland 1, incumbents Vince Ford and Barbara Scott appeared to have comfortable leads in the race for two at-large seats, despite highly visible campaigns and backing from Mayor Steve Benjamin.
In Richland 1’s District 2, incumbent Jamie Devine was leading with more than half the precincts reporting, while Beatrice King and Cheryl Hinton Harris won terms in Districts 3 and 4, respectively.
Reach Lucas at (803) 771-8657.
