Rutherford takes down incumbent Watts in Richland County coroner race
Naida Rutherford, the challenger for Richland County coroner, defeated incumbent Gary Watts in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, final results show.
Rutherford raked in 59.26%, or 30,347 votes. Watts received 40.74%, or 20,859 votes.
Rutherford said she was thankful for the voters who endured frustrating waits to cast their ballots in support of her.
“This is a testament that people wanted change and were wiling to do the hard work to make that happen,” she said. “I will now show them that their hard work was not in vain. I will show up. I will do all I can to make this office an office for all of us.”
Rutherford, a nurse practitioner, campaigned on her medical experience and a vow to modernize the coroner’s office. Watts touted his years of experience as a fifth-term coroner for the county, and his expansion of services provided by his office.
Rutherford will become coroner as there is no Republican opposition.
This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 10:28 PM.