Lexington, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Lexington, South Carolina, is approaching a crucial town council election with three at-large seats up for grabs on November 4. Incumbents Gavin Smith, Todd Carnes, and Ron Williams seek re-election, competing against challengers Greg Brewer and Doug Leonard. Candidates are focused on infrastructure, community safety, and fiscal transparency. Early voting commenced on October 20, highlighting the urgency for residents to participate in this pivotal local election.
Lexington, South Carolina, is gearing up for a pivotal election as three at-large seats on the Town Council will be contested on November 4. The election features three incumbent council members seeking re-election alongside two challengers.
Incumbents Gavin Smith, Todd Carnes, and Ron Williams are aiming to retain their positions on the council. Smith, who is 33 years old and a marketing professor, was elected during a special election in May 2023. He is focused on traffic management and maintaining the small-town character of Lexington amidst its growth. Todd Carnes, a 56-year-old civil engineer and business owner, has been part of the town council since 2014, emphasizing significant investments in transportation infrastructure and community safety. Ron Williams, 60, serves as the Director of Operations at Mission Lexington and also has council experience dating back to 2014. He is committed to supporting local businesses and enhancing traffic safety.
The challengers for these at-large positions are Greg Brewer and Doug Leonard. Brewer, 63, is a retired engineer who prioritizes infrastructure development and resident engagement. He aims to align zoning regulations to manage the town’s growth effectively. Leonard, 61, is self-employed with 12 years of experience as a poll clerk. He is emphasizing family values and advocating for financial transparency in council activities.
Early voting for the Lexington Town Council election commenced on October 20, allowing residents ample opportunity to cast their ballots before election day.
Each candidate has outlined their main priorities leading into the election. While the incumbents often emphasize continuity and community safety, challengers call for more proactive management of Lexington’s infrastructure and growth. Smith has highlighted the need for effective traffic management solutions to cater to an increasing population. Carnes’ plan includes addressing transportation needs while ensuring safety for residents. Williams looks to assist local businesses, while Brewer aims to deliver improvements in basic infrastructure. Leonard has drawn attention to the necessity of transparency in how taxpayer dollars are utilized, indicating a shift toward more responsible fiscal responsibility.
The candidates have noted concerns over the past council’s foresight, specifically criticizing high-cost projects such as Virginia Hylton Park for their financial planning. This upcoming election forms a part of a larger political context, with municipal council races also taking place across the broader Lexington County.
Lexington, known as the county seat of Lexington County, has witnessed a growing need for comprehensive planning as development increases. As the town continues to expand, the decisions made by its council will significantly affect its future growth and development. The strategic choices around infrastructure, safety, and community values will be at the forefront during this election.
FAQ Section
When is the election for the at-large council seats in Lexington?
The election is scheduled for November 4.
Who are the candidates running for the at-large council seats?
The candidates include incumbents Gavin Smith, Todd Carnes, and Ron Williams, along with challengers Greg Brewer and Doug Leonard.
What are the main priorities of the candidates?
Candidates are focusing on infrastructure improvements, safety, responsible development, and financial transparency.
When did early voting begin for this election?
Early voting began on October 20.
What issues have candidates criticized past council members for?
They have criticized them for lack of foresight in spending, particularly in relation to high-cost projects like Virginia Hylton Park.
Candidate Overview
| Candidate | Age | Occupation | Experience | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gavin Smith | 33 | Marketing Professor | Incumbent (Elected May 2023) | Traffic management, small-town character |
| Todd Carnes | 56 | Civil Engineer, Business Owner | Incumbent (Since 2014) | Transportation infrastructure, community safety |
| Ron Williams | 60 | Director of Operations, Mission Lexington | Incumbent (Since 2014) | Supporting local businesses, traffic safety |
| Greg Brewer | 63 | Retired Engineer | Challenger | Infrastructure, resident engagement |
| Doug Leonard | 61 | Self-Employed | Challenger | Financial transparency, family values |
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Races in Lexington County – Get to Know the Candidates
- The State: Lexington Candidates and Elections
- Lexington Chronicle: Gavin Smith to Seek 2nd Term
- WLTX: Lexington Town Council Budget Adjustments
- Post and Courier: Cayce, Lexington, West Columbia Races in 2025
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
- Google Search: Lexington Town Council elections
- Google News: Lexington South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington, South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Lexington Town Council
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.
