The Manning Times is committed to providing voters with clear, accessible information ahead of every local election. We believe an informed community is a stronger community, and we recognize that the right to vote is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Clarendon Votes is our ongoing election coverage series designed to give residents a direct look at the candidates seeking local office. Through a consistent question-and-answer format, we aim to provide readers with clear, comparable responses so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box.
This edition focuses on the Clarendon County Council District 2 special election, called following the death of Councilman W.J. Frierson. The special election will be held May 12.
Two candidates are seeking the seat — Republican Matthew Chapman and Democrat Delany Kay Frierson.
The Manning Times provided both candidates with the same 10 questions. Their responses are printed as submitted, with only slight edits for grammar and clarity.
Voters are encouraged to refer to their voter registration cards to confirm their polling location. For questions, contact Clarendon County Voter Registration at 803-435-8215 or visit 3 S. Church St. in Manning.
We encourage every eligible resident to make a plan to vote. Local elections directly shape decisions affecting infrastructure, public safety, growth and quality of life across Clarendon County.
Please reintroduce yourself to our readers.
Share your background, family, occupation, community involvement and why you decided to run for this seat.
My name is Matt Chapman, and I believe leadership begins with God first, a strong work ethic, and a deep respect for the people who make Clarendon County what it is. I formally served on the Farm Service Agency-Clarendon Committee as Vice-Chairman. I am the current treasurer for the Gideons-Clarendon Camp, a Deacon at Promise Land Ministries of Sumter, and I serve as a director on several other Boards.
I am a businessman and a farmer. I was born and raised with the understanding that you do not take more than you give, you protect what you have been entrusted with, and you always show up when the work needs to be done. Those values were not just taught to me, they were lived out in front of me. They shape how I live, how I work, how I raise my family, and how I lead.
My family and I are deeply rooted in this community. Like so many of you, we care about our churches, our schools, our farms, our small businesses, and the future our children will inherit. I have always believed that if you love where you live, you invest your time and effort into making it stronger.
Clarendon County deserves leadership that believes in investing in what matters most to our people. That means supporting local businesses, encouraging responsible growth, strengthening infrastructure that supports our future, and making decisions with common sense and genuine care for our community, not politics.
I am running because I believe local government should be fair, honest, transparent, and rooted in integrity. The County Council should listen to the people it serves, be accountable for its decisions, and never forget who it works for. This is not about titles or power. It is about stewardship. It is about protecting our way of life while making thoughtful, responsible decisions for the next generation.
You will appear on the ballot representing your political party.
What values or principles of your party do you most identify with, and how do they shape your approach to serving on County Council?
I am a conservative by nature. I look at all opportunities from a pragmatic perspective ensuring that the responsibility given to me by the people works for the people.
What specific issues or concerns have you heard most often from residents of District 2 during this campaign?
How would you address those concerns if elected?
Roads, infrastructure, communication and awareness from the county administration and county council. County recycling centers seem to be an issue for some people. Of course taxes are always an issue. I think due diligence and transparency can fix these issues.
County Council plays a key role in setting the annual budget and millage.
What are your top funding priorities, and how would you balance the need for services with the tax burden on residents?
My top priorities are public safety, infrastructure, and essential services. Those are the core responsibilities of county government.
As a conservative Republican, I believe the government should live within its means just like families do. Before raising taxes, we must examine spending, eliminate waste, and prioritize needs over wants. I will fight to keep millage rates as low as possible while making sure we properly fund law enforcement, EMS, and road maintenance.
Fiscal discipline protects working families.
Recent council discussions have included the future of the Clarendon County Archives, including preservation, access and long-term responsibility.
What is your position on how the county should handle the Archives moving forward?
I am all in for protecting the county archives. From the conversations and forums I have been a part of, a plan is in place involving the county council, our state representative, and the Manning Times. As far as the long-term location or building where they will be displayed has yet to be determined.
Public safety and emergency services remain a significant focus for the county.
What are your views on funding and supporting law enforcement, fire rescue and EMS services?
Public safety is foundational. I fully support strong funding for our Sheriff Office, fire rescue, and EMS. These men and women put their lives on the line every day. They deserve proper equipment, training, and competitive pay to retain quality personnel.
A safe county attracts families and businesses. Supporting law enforcement is both the right thing to do and smart policy.
County Council regularly hears directly from residents during public comment.|How would you ensure you are accessible to constituents and responsive to their concerns?
Accessibility matters, and I will not disappear after Election Day. I plan to hold regular community meetings, maintain an active social media presence, and make my contact information readily available. I also believe in clear updates after major votes or decisions so residents understand what happened and why. If you call me, I will call you back. If you have concerns, I will listen.
Because this is a special election and the seat will also be on the November ballot, if you do not win on May 12, do you plan to continue your campaign?
If so, what would your platform focus on heading into the general election?
Absolutely. I have already registered for the November election. Since no one else filed to run as a Republican, I will not have to go through a June primary election. I think I will continue to door knock, attend forums, and meet-and-greet opportunities to hear from the people of Clarendon County. This seems to be a good way to hear directly from the people and their concerns. This connection with the people will help me focus on the community's most pressing matters.
County Council decisions often involve differing viewpoints.
How would you approach working with other council members when there is disagreement?
I think it is important not to take it personally and to leave your feelings at the door. The facts, the truth, and the best outcome for the people will prevail.
What sets you apart from your opponent in this race?
Voters should choose me because I will put taxpayers first, protect conservative values, and focus on results instead of politics.
What sets me apart is not just my commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accessibility, but also my faith. My Christianity is the foundation of who I am. It shapes how I treat people, how I make decisions, and how I lead. I believe in servant leadership. I believe in integrity. I believe in standing firm on principles while treating others with respect and kindness.
I am not running for a title. I am running to serve. I answer first to God, then to my family, and then to the people of this district. That perspective keeps me grounded and focused on doing what is right, not what is popular.
In my first term, I hope to strengthen public safety, improve infrastructure planning, ensure responsible budgeting, protect taxpayers, and restore trust between county government and the people.
Clarendon County deserves steady leadership rooted in faith, common sense, and conservative principles. I will show up, speak up, and stand firm for our community. I humbly ask for your vote.
