Lexington County, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Lexington County prepares for upcoming elections with incumbents seeking reelection amid various candidates focusing on community issues like responsible growth and public safety. Key races include Tiffany Aull for council and Ron Wright for mayor, reflecting community concerns over development. Voters will also see incumbents running unopposed, adding dynamics to the political landscape.
Lexington County is gearing up for a competitive political landscape this November as several incumbents seek reelection amid a flurry of candidates vying for critical local positions. The upcoming elections are set against a backdrop of rapid growth and community concerns, highlighting various issues including responsible development, infrastructure investment, and public safety.
Among the key races, Tiffany Aull, a longtime administrator within the Lexington School District 1, is running for the council seat currently held by Mayor Pro-Tem Tim James. Aull aims to bring her educational experience to the local government, pursuing policies that resonate with community needs.
Ron Wright, a retired state employee, is also in the running for the mayoral position. His campaign centers on emphasizing responsible growth, a critical topic for many residents in the fast-evolving Lexington area.
Current District 3 Councilmember Hunter Sox is looking to secure a second term. Sox has focused his efforts on improving local parks and ensuring community safety over his past tenure. His familiarity with district needs may bolster his chances for reelection.
Another candidate, Alice Rose, who hails from Cayce, is entering the race without prior political experience but brings a focus on maintaining neighborhood character and thoughtful development. This perspective reflects the desires of a growing constituency worried about maintaining their community’s identity amid expansion.
In the at-large positions, Todd Carnes is seeking a third term on the Lexington Town Council, having served since 2014. Having established key initiatives and community relationships, Carnes aims to continue his contributions to the community.
Gavin Smith, who won a special election in 2023, aims for a second term focused on enhancing public relations and marketing initiatives for the local government, seeking to better connect with constituents.
Ron Williams, currently in his third term as mayor pro-tem, has made investments in local infrastructure and parks key points of his campaign, showcasing his commitment to community enhancement. His experience may provide a steady hand amid the evolving political landscape.
In the mix, Doug Leonard, a local realtor, aims to leverage his real estate experience in his candidacy for a vacant council seat, while Phyllis-Cookie Holmes, a West Columbia resident and retired supervisor, is also entering the race, diversifying the pool of candidates.
Kiaun Jaquez Moore, a funeral director, is focusing his campaign on improving public parks and infrastructure, offering a unique perspective to the assembly of candidates.
As the election approaches, three incumbents—Mike Green, George Crowe, and Sarah Mattern—are running unopposed for their city council seats in Districts 1, 3, and 7, respectively, adding an interesting dynamic to an otherwise competitive scenario. Many candidates are rallying their campaigns around key issues that resonate with local voters, including responsible growth, community safety, and preserving the character of their neighborhoods.
The upcoming local elections follow a significant shake-up in the Lexington County Council from the previous year, further adding to the importance of these races. With an influx of candidates, the elections will play a crucial role in shaping the future of various towns and cities within Lexington County.
FAQ
What positions are up for election in Lexington County?
Several council seats, including a mayoral position and various district council seats, are on the ballot in the upcoming elections.
Who are the notable candidates in the Lexington County elections?
Notable candidates include Tiffany Aull running for Mayor Pro-Tem Tim James’s seat, Ron Wright for the mayoral seat, and Hunter Sox seeking reelection for District 3. Others include Todd Carnes, Gavin Smith, and various first-time candidates.
What issues are candidates focusing on in their campaigns?
Many candidates are emphasizing issues such as responsible growth, community safety, infrastructure investment, and preserving the character of local neighborhoods.
Are there any candidates running unopposed?
Yes, three incumbents—Mike Green, George Crowe, and Sarah Mattern—are running unopposed for their respective city council seats.
Key Features of Lexington County Elections
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Competitiveness | Several incumbents, including mayoral and council candidates, are challenged by new nominees. |
| Key Issues | Candidates emphasize responsible growth, community safety, infrastructure investment, and character preservation. |
| Incumbents Running Unopposed | Three incumbents are unchallenged in their bids. |
| Community Engagement | Candidates are responding to community concerns about rapid growth. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Keishan Scott Wins Special Election in South Carolina
Keishan Scott Wins House District 50 Special Election
Mike Ward Elected as Irmo Councilmember
David Pascoe Switches Party Affiliation to Republican
South Carolina Solicitor David Pascoe Joins Republican Party
Cayce Government Faces Major Leadership Changes
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Cayce, Lexington, West Columbia Races 2025
- Wikipedia: Elections in the United States
- WIS TV: Your Guide to Election Day 2024
- Google Search: South Carolina elections
- Count on 2: South Carolinians Risk Losing Active Voter Status
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- The State: Election News
- Google News: Local elections in Lexington County
- Count on 2: South Carolina Voter Inactivity
- New York Times: US Elections and Gerrymandering
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
