Courtney Waters, a former Charleston County School Board member and nonprofit leader, won big in the Jan. 21 special Democratic primary for South Carolina’s House District 113. With no Republican running in the March 25 special election, she’s on track to take the seat and bring fresh energy to the district.
Waters dominated the race with 70 percent of the vote, leaving Michelle Brandt, the state Democratic Party’s Third Vice Chair, with 28 percent and educator Kim Clark with 2 percent. The results are expected to be officially certified later this week.
The seat opened up last September when Marvin Pendarvis stepped down amid allegations of misconduct.
District 113 includes most of North Charleston and stretches along Interstate 26 to Summerville.
Turnout was low, with just 803 of the district’s 20,708 registered voters casting ballots. Turnout in special elections is typically low, and the warnings of snow, sleet, and freezing rain likely kept many away from the polls.
Waters brings a strong background in public service to the table. She worked to improve public education for four years on the Charleston County School Board, and her experience as a teacher and nonprofit director has shaped her passion for serving others.
With the March 25 election essentially a formality, Waters is ready to hit the ground running. She plans to focus on education, affordable housing, and economic development, ensuring District 113’s needs are front and center in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
Congratulation Courtney Waters!