YORK COUNTY, S.C. — South Carolina's statewide primaries were Tuesday, and there is one race that people in the Charlotte area are watching closely - the York County sheriff's race, and it's a close one.
In November, Republican Sheriff Kevin Tolson took himself out of the race. At first, Tolson's wife, Beth, was the only Republican running. After her husband quietly exited the race, Beth filed to run at the last second.
York County Republicans later reopened and extended the filing deadline to allow others to join the race.
The five candidates running for the open position are Beth Tolson, and four other Republicans, all with law enforcement experience: Michael Belk, Chris Blevins, Tony Breeden and Heath Clevenger.
With 100% of the vote in, Belk is leading the race with 27% of the vote, followed by Breeden, who has 26% of the vote. Beth Tolson is in third with roughly 18% of the vote.
Under South Carolina election law, in a race with more than two candidates, there will be a run-off between the top two vote-getters if no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote.
If no one candidate had earned over 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters will head to the June 25 runoff.
The primary runoff election will be held on June 25.
Other York County primary results
In other York County primary races, Republican Andy Litten won the most votes for County Council District 2 over Jason Amentler and Allison Love.
Everett Stubbs beat two candidates, Tibi Czentye and Tripp McCoy, to gain the Republican nomination for the District 17 State Senate seat.
Republican David Martin appears to have won the District 26 seat for the State House.
Jackie Terribile eked past Michele Branning in the race for the District 66 State House seat.
Many of these primaries are uncontested by Democratic candidates, meaning the Republican primary winner will most likely win the seat.
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