One of these candidates will be Lexington County’s next probate judge
Voters will decide Lexington’s only countywide race this election cycle in June’s Republican primary, as Brian Eckstrom and Cammie Campbell try to become the next probate judge.
Eckstrom, an attorney for Moore Bradley Myers, wants to replace his father Dan Eckstrom, who isn’t seeking reelection after a 36-year run. Campbell, a senior paralegal for the Lexington County Probate Court, previously served as an estate clerk for the Richland County Probate Court.
In South Carolina, a probate judge oversees estate administration and wills, appoints personal representatives for an estate, and handles related matters like guardianships and conservatorships.
The Republican primary is June 9. You can check your voter registration status at scvotes.gov. Early voting began May 26 and ends June 5.
The Candidates
Cammie Campbell
Age: n/a
Occupation: Senior Paralegal, Lexington County Probate Court
Education: Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies
Political or civic experience: None
Campaign website: www.cammiecampbell.com
What would be your top three priorities as probate judge?
My top priorities would be improving efficiency within the probate court, ensuring families are treated with compassion and respect, and modernizing court operations to better serve a growing Lexington County.
After more than 30 years working inside the probate court system, I understand how overwhelming the process can feel for families navigating loss, guardianship matters, or difficult life transitions. I believe the court should operate in a way that is organized, timely, and accessible while never losing sight of the people we serve.
I also believe it is important to continue investing in technology and administrative improvements that help reduce delays, improve communication, and make the court easier for families and legal professionals to navigate.
What if any changes does Lexington County’s probate office need to make to adapt to a rapidly growing county?
Lexington County has experienced tremendous growth, and our probate court must continue evolving to meet the needs of a larger and busier community. While the court has many dedicated employees and a strong foundation, there are opportunities to improve efficiency and accessibility through modernization and better use of technology.
One important area is continuing the digitization of records and expanding secure electronic access for attorneys, title abstractors, and other authorized professionals. Many surrounding counties already utilize systems that allow records to be viewed securely online, reducing delays and improving workflow for both court staff and the public.
I also believe staffing must be evaluated to ensure staff isn’t stretched too thin, while also further evaluating training and administrative processes to ensure the court can handle increased demand while maintaining the high level of professionalism and service families deserve.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Voters should choose the candidate they believe has the experience, knowledge, and leadership necessary to serve Lexington County families with fairness, professionalism, and compassion — and I believe that candidate is me.
I have spent more than 30 years working inside the probate court system, serving in multiple roles including senior estate clerk, director of commitment, guardianship and conservatorship clerk, and senior paralegal. That hands-on experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of how the court operates and how important it is to treat every family with dignity and care.
I am not a career politician. I am someone who has dedicated my professional life to serving others and helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. I believe Lexington County deserves experienced leadership focused on improving the court, supporting its employees, and ensuring the probate court continues serving the people with integrity, efficiency, and compassion.
Brian Eckstrom
Age: 35
Occupation: Attorney, Moore Bradley Myers
Education: J.D. - USC School of Law ‘16
Political or civic experience: My professional experience has been focused on public service and serving the people of this community. I spent eight years as a prosecutor with the 11th Judicial Circuit, where I worked closely with law enforcement, victims, families, and the courts while handling serious legal matters and advocating for justice on behalf of the public. That experience gave me extensive courtroom experience, a deep understanding of the legal system, and firsthand knowledge of how important fairness, professionalism, and sound judgment are in public office. For the past two years, I’ve been working as an attorney with Moore Bradley Myers, continuing to serve families in our community through some of the most important and difficult moments in their lives. Combined with being born and raised here and living here my entire life, my background gives me both the professional experience and community perspective needed to serve the county in this role.
Campaign website: Brian Eckstrom for Probate Judge on Facebook
What would be your top three priorities as probate judge?
1) Integrity and Public Trust;
2) Efficient and accessible service;
3) Transparency and communication.
What if any changes does Lexington County’s probate office need to make to adapt to a rapidly growing county?
Lexington County requires a probate court that is modern, efficient, and accessible. As our county grows, we’ve got to be able to keep up with the increasing caseloads by improving processes and embracing technology where appropriate, while also preserving the professionalism, fairness, and trust that people expect from the judicial system. I would like to implement a modern electronic filing system in the probate court. E-filing would streamline case management, reduce paperwork delays, improve access for attorneys and families, and help court staff handle increased caseloads more effectively. Probate court must keep pace with our county’s growth while not sacrificing professionalism, fairness, and trust.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
My legal training and years of courtroom experience allow me to interpret and apply the law correctly, manage complex cases, and ensure due process for all parties. I believe this professional foundation is essential to serving the public effectively in this role. In conversations with voters across every part of the county, I consistently hear that they want an attorney they feel confident placing their trust in to handle the legal responsibilities of this office. Beyond that, they also appreciate having someone who was born and raised here, understands our community, and has spent a lifetime building relationships and earning trust locally. I believe that combination of professional experience and deep local roots is important as our county continues to grow and change. I am committed to serving with integrity, fairness, and respect for every individual who comes before the court. This role is about public trust, and I take that responsibility seriously.
This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 7:48 AM.