Bailey edges Bauer for Democratic nomination to face Finlay in November election
In a tight race between two Democrats competing to face Republican S.C. Rep. Kirkman Finlay in November, Rhodes Bailey defeated Heather Bauer on Tuesday.
With all 19 precincts reporting, Richland County public defender Rhodes Bailey had 2,184 votes (56.55 percent), topping local gym owner Heather Bauer who had 1,678 votes (43.45 percent).
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen as the Democratic nominee for House District 75,” Bailey said in a news release.
It’s unclear if problems at the polls Tuesday in Richland County could affect the outcome of the race. There were reports that some precincts in the district did not have the race on the ballot and voters expressed confusion after polling places were consolidated ahead of the election.
Candidates have until Monday to protest election results, SC Election Commission spokesperson Chris Whitmire said. The candidate also would have to convince the party there were enough issues that the results are in doubt. The party then decides whether to grant the protest and redo the election, Whitmire said.
“We’ve heard from some voters whose ballot failed to include House District 75 on their ballot,” Bailey said. “We have been actively tracking these issues and reporting it to the election commission. This is an example of why we need new leadership in the Richland County legislative delegation to ensure that everyone is guaranteed a right to vote and no one is disenfranchised.”
Seeking his fifth term in the House, Finlay is set to enter the general election race with a large lead in campaign cash as he had raised nearly $103,000, and had nearly $85,000 cash on hand to spend at the end of March without a primary challenger.
House District 75 covers Columbia’s eastern neighborhoods, including Woodhill Estates and Pennington Acres, and parts of Shandon, Rosewood and Forest Acres.
During the primary race, Bauer was questioned about her commitment to the Democratic Party as her participation in previous elections was brought into question.
Bauer had only voted six amount of times since 2012 only in one Democratic primaries. She also had not voted in the 2016 general election when Hillary Clinton ran against Donald Trump. Bailey had voted in 13 elections since 2012, including five Democratic primaries.
Bailey has been involved with Democratic politics for about 20 years, volunteering on campaigns and working as the legal coordinator for the state party’s voter protection program.
Bailey shared some kind words for Bauer after the primary.
“I want to thank Heather Bauer and her team for a well-run race. Heather brought a unique voice, a positive energy, and a tireless work ethic to this race. Because of our competition, Democrats in House District 75 had a choice and an opportunity to get organized and get excited about flipping this district in November,” he said.
Leading up to Tuesday’s election, Bauer had been endorsed by Columbia City Councilwoman Tamika Isaac Devine, Richland County Councilwoman Allison Terracio, State Rep. Krystle Matthews, D-Berkeley, and Columbia City Councilman Howard Duvall, who represents one of the city’s at-large seats.
Leading up to Tuesday’s election Bailey received financial support from Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, former State Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum and former Democratic state Rep. Bakari Sellers. Bailey also received endorsements from former Richland County councilwoman Kit Smith, and former Democratic State Party chairwoman Carol Fowler.
This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 10:31 PM.
