The South Carolina Democratic Party has reopened candidate filing for South Carolina House District 64, creating a new window for Democrats to enter the race against incumbent Rep. Fawn Pedalino.
In a press released issued Saturday, the party announced filing for the Democratic nomination will open at noon Wednesday, April 8, and close at noon Friday, April 10.
The filing period was reopened under S.C. Code § 7-11-15(f) after David Epperson, the sole Democratic candidate, withdrew before certification.
State law allows a party to reopen filing in limited situations after the deadline, including when a candidate withdraws from a race that had only one or two candidates filed. For State House races, that decision is made by the party’s state executive committee rather than a local party organization.
Any eligible Democrat seeking to file for the seat must submit the required filing forms and a $208 filing fee by the April 10 deadline. Filings may be made at the South Carolina Election Commission, the Clarendon County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, or the Sumter County Board of Voter Registration and Elections.
If more than one Democrat files during the reopened period, those candidates will appear on the Democratic primary ballot Tuesday, June 9.
House District 64 includes all of Clarendon County and portions of Sumter County.
Epperson announced Friday that he was withdrawing from the race, citing employment conflicts and family priorities. He had been the only Democratic challenger to Pedalino, a Republican from Turbeville.
Epperson’s candidacy had drawn local attention because of his longstanding ties to county government. He previously served as both Clarendon County administrator and county attorney.
In the statement announcing his withdrawal, Epperson said the decision was made after “careful consideration and due to unforeseen conflicts with my employment.”
He also said he remains committed to public service and plans to position himself for future opportunities to serve.
