Baker wins re-election race for Sumter County coroner

Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker won the race to keep his seat Tuesday night.

Baker beat his challenger, Isaac Johnson, in a race and county that saw higher-than-normal turnout and absentee voting. He won 52.75% of the vote, or 6,126 votes, compared to Johnson’s 47.25% and 5,488 votes.

Baker was first elected in 2016 after he won the Democratic primary in a runoff against then-incumbent Harvin Bullock, who lost his seat after two terms. Johnson was the third candidate on that primary ballot.

Baker ran unopposed in the subsequent general election and will do so again this November.

“I’m thankful for those who voted for me, my friends, family, everyone. And those who crossed party lines to vote for me,” Baker said.

He said he is disappointed in how close the race was but is glad it is over.

“I’m honored to serve another four years,” he said.

For more election coverage the impacts Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties, go to https://www.theitem.com/election2020/.