For the first time in recent memory, there is no Democrat running for the office of auditor in Georgetown County.
Last week, County Auditor Linda Mock, a Democrat, announced she has decided not to seek reelection after serving two terms in office.
The news caught Democratic Party leaders off guard, County Party Chairwoman Nancy Kolman said.
She said she found out about Mock’s decision two days before the filing deadline, .
“We were scrambling to find someone,” Kolman said.
Mock was elected in November 2004 and took office July 1, 2005.
She said she is not seeking a third term because she will be moving to Virginia when her current term expires next year.
The auditor and treasurer’s offices are unique because whoever wins in November will not take over until July 1 rather than in January.
Mock said she has been busy installing new software and reconfiguring the office, a task she expects to complete before her term expires.
“I just came to this decision a day or so ago. It was a tough decision to make,” she said.
There are two Republican newcomers who have filed for the seat. Brian Shult and Rod Stalvey will face off in the June Republican Primary.
Other filings
County Council District 2
Ron Charlton is running for reelection as a Republican and has no opposition.
County Council District 3: Leona Miller, a Democrat, has no opposition in her bid for reelection.
County Council District 4: Lillie Jean Johnson is seeking reelection as a Democrat and has no opposition.
County Council District 5: Republican incumbent Austin Beard and newcomer Bubba Grimes are both running as Republicans. Ben Dunn Sr. is running as Democrat.
Sheriff
Incumbent Sheriff Lane Cribb will face Horry County Police Officer Doug Dishong in the June Republican Primary. The winner will face former deputy Darryel Carr of Pawleys Island, a Democrat, in November.
Coroner
Kenny Johnson filed as a Republican for another term and has no opposition.
Clerk of Court
Incumbent Alma White, a Democrat faces newcomer Tammie P. Avant, a Republican, in November.
Probate Judge
Probate Court Judge Waldo Maring, an incumbent, filed as a Republican.
Treasurer
County Treasurer Loretta Washington-Cooper filed as a Democrat. Mike Andrews is running as a Republican.
House District 103
State Rep. Carl Anderson, a Democrat, is seeking reelection. He will face party opposition from newcomer Jacqueline Williams.
Tom Winslow is running as a Republican.
House Seat 108
Incumbent Kevin Ryan, a Republican, is not seeking reelection.
Republican Stephen Goldfinch and Democrat Jarrod Ownbey have filed.
State Senate 32
Sen. Yancey McGill is seeking reelection as a Democrat. He will face Lake City attorney Cezar E. McKnight in the June Democratic Primary.
State Senate 34
Republican Ray Cleary will face Dick Withington in the Republican Primary.
U.S. House District 7
Republicans:
Andre Bauer, Renee' Culler, Katherine Jenerette, Jay Jordan, Jim Mader, Chad Prosser, Tom Rice, Randall Wallace, Dick Withington.
Democrats:
Parnell Diggs, Gloria Bromell Tinubu, Ted Vick,
Dick Withington.
By Scott Harper
sharper@gtowntimes.com