Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott officially files for re-election

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, one of the most prominent political figures in the Midlands, filed for re-election Wednesday at the opening of the candidate filing period for June’s primaries.

Lott has served as sheriff of one of the state’s largest counties for 20 years.

“We have made tremendous progress in many areas over the years and as we move forward together, we will continue to build on the progress we have made,” Lott said in a statement Wednesday. “My goal is make sure the people of Richland County are safe and that they feel like this is the best place in South Carolina to live, work and raise a family.”

James Flowers, a former South Carolina Law Enforcement Division senior special agent who was once a Gamecock defensive lineman, has said he plans to run against Lott in June’s Democratic primary. Flowers had not officially filed as of midday Wednesday.

The last time Lott faced an election challenger was 2008.