Columbia, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Howard Knapp, South Carolina’s top election official, was terminated by the State Election Commission as the board seeks new leadership. His firing, unrelated to election conduct, follows an ongoing investigation by SLED over allegations of misconduct. The commission now navigates a DOJ request regarding sensitive voter information. Jenny Wooten has been appointed as interim director as the commission addresses challenges in safeguarding voter privacy.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina’s top election official, Howard Knapp, was fired by the State Election Commission on September 17, 2025. The commission’s board voted 3-2 to terminate Knapp’s position, expressing a desire for new leadership, but provided no further explanation for their decision.
Chairman Dennis Shedd of the Elections Board confirmed that Knapp’s termination was unrelated to any election conduct in South Carolina. Knapp’s firing follows an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which was prompted by allegations of misconduct and a request from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office on March 29, 2024.
On September 18, 2025, SLED Captains Jeremy Smith and Matt Downey were seen at the State Election Commission’s offices in Columbia but declined to comment on the purpose of their visit. It remains unclear if SLED was executing a search warrant at that time. The commission’s server is located at 1122 Lady Street, just one block from the State House in downtown Columbia.
Knapp had a tenure as executive director that began in January 2022, and he was confirmed by the South Carolina Senate in March 2023. Before his appointment as executive director, he held various roles within the commission and had experience in budget offices for the state’s Department of Social Services and the Department of Administration, indicating a robust background in public administration.
In the wake of Knapp’s termination, Chief of Staff Jenny Wooten has been named interim acting director of the Election Commission. This change in leadership arrives as the commission navigates a request from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking access to sensitive personal information regarding 3.3 million voters in South Carolina. This request is part of a lawsuit challenging the release of that information.
Recently, the commission obtained a temporary restraining order against the release of voter data requested by the DOJ, which was lifted by the state Supreme Court shortly before Knapp’s dismissal. Chairman Shedd emphasized that the commission is serious about safeguarding residents’ constitutional right to privacy while ensuring compliance with federal requests.
Knapp’s salary as executive director was reported to be $150,000 annually. The ongoing investigation into his conduct appears to be a significant factor prompting the commission’s decision for new leadership amidst serious operational challenges.
Key Facts Overview
- Event: Firing of Executive Director Howard Knapp
- Date: September 17, 2025
- Commission Vote: 3-2 for termination
- Interim Director: Jenny Wooten
- Ongoing Investigation: By SLED into allegations of misconduct
- Voter Data Request: DOJ seeking personal information of 3.3 million voters
Background Context
Knapp’s career trajectory included various roles in the Election Commission and experience with budget offices. His leadership came into question following a misconduct investigation initiated by the Attorney General’s Office. The commission’s recent legal challenges regarding voter data further complicate the electoral landscape, with a focus on both compliance with federal requests and ensuring voter privacy.
FAQ
Why was Howard Knapp fired?
Howard Knapp was fired by the State Election Commission on September 17, 2025, as part of a board decision expressing a desire for “new leadership,” with no further explanation. His termination follows an ongoing investigation by SLED into allegations of misconduct.
Is the investigation related to election conduct?
Chairman Dennis Shedd confirmed that Knapp’s termination and the ongoing investigation are unrelated to the conduct of any election in South Carolina.
Who is replacing Knapp?
Following Knapp’s termination, Chief of Staff Jenny Wooten was named interim acting director of the Election Commission.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Firing Date | September 17, 2025 |
| Commission Vote | 3-2 for termination |
| Interim Director | Jenny Wooten |
| SLED Investigation | Allegations of misconduct against Knapp |
| DOJ Request | Access to information on 3.3 million voters |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- South Carolina Daily Gazette
- The State
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Election Commission
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Election Commission
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