Alexander “Herc” Conyers was ready and fired up to run for the House District 64 seat that represents Clarendon and parts of Sumter County long before filing opened in mid-March.
“Although many people approached me about running for this position, that’s not why I’m running,” he said. “I’m running for this seat because I know that my leadership and experience, coupled with my passion and commitment to the citizens of House District 64 makes me the absolute best candidate.”
A Manning native, Conyers recently retired with the rank of colonel after 26 years of active duty service with the U.S. Army. Prior to his career as an officer, Conyers spent two years enlisted on active duty in the Army and four years enlisted in the South Carolina National Guard, stationed in his hometown.
He finished his military career as the commander for the 16th Military Police Brigade and the director for Emergency Services at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. In this capacity, he was responsible for more than 4,000 personnel across four states.
He also served as a battalion commander at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and as chief of military corrections at the Pentagon.
“I also served in combat in Afghanistan as deputy director of detainee operations,” he said.
The son of Rufus and Mattie Conyers of Manning, he is a graduate of Manning Head Start and a 1983 graduate of Manning High School, where he served as senior class president and Student Government vice-president.
He received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from South Carolina State University, a master’s degree in criminal justice and corrections from the University of South Carolina and a master’s of public administration from Troy University.
He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Conyers said his platform consists of five major issues, including jobs and education; healthcare; veterans’ affairs; public safety; and infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
“I intend to assertively and aggressively fight to make this district a better place to work, live, play and do business,” he said. “As your state representative, I will work diligently for every citizen, regardless of race, gender or political affiliation.”
Conyers is active in several professional organizations, including The International Association of Chiefs of Police, the American Corrections Association, the FBI National Academy Associates, the International City-County Management Association, The American Legion, the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and the National Head Start Association.
His many awards include the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star for combat action in Afghanistan, Humanitarian of the Year (Manning NAACP) and he was recently selected for the South Carolina State University ROTC Hall of Fame.
Conyers is married to Agatha Youmans Conyers, formerly of Hampton. The couple have been married 17 years and have a 15-year-old son, Ace, and a 13-year-old daughter, Aly.”
“The toughest part of my campaign will be living in Clarendon County without my family temporarily; although as a military family we are unfortunately accustomed to being apart,” Conyers said in a statement. “They will join me after the end of the current school year to keep them from having to move mid-year. They are in ninth and seventh grades and have attended seven and six different school systems, respectively.”
Conyers said he is looking forward to the campaign and meeting constituents.
“The best part will be meting the great people of House District 64 as I canvas their neighborhoods to seek their prayers, concerns, ideas and support,” he said.
