Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott was headed to an easy victory Tuesday night over Republican Jim Walker.
With more than half precincts reporting — 95 of 149 — Lott led the race with more than 82% of the vote. Walker trailed with 17% of the vote, according to the South Carolina Election Commission.
Lott, 71, who’s served in law enforcement officer for 49 years, with the last 28 as sheriff, said he still has a desire to help Richland County be the best we can be.
“I stand on the church song, ‘May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me,’” he previously told The State.
His chief priorities, he said, are to continue working to reduce youth gun violence.
“We are losing a generation of young people to gun violence. While some believe this is a law enforcement issue, it is actually a community problem and should be addressed as such. Gun violence is not unique to Richland County. However, we can reduce this violence by having all components of our community working together.”
Lott’s opponent, Walker, 65 is a law enforcement veteran who previously worked as a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
A political newcomer, he said his priorities are to combat gun and domestic violence, and to facilitate public transparency from the sheriff’s office.
“It is time for a change in our county,” Walker said. “The change can bring a new perspective and rebuild our communities by rebuilding trust and establishing our voice. This means that we work together as a collaborative group so that we can possibly bring together the sheriff’s department and the communities.”
