McCain easily wins Democratic nomination, likely retains Sumter County Council's 6th district seat

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Incumbent James T. “Jim” McCain Jr. easily won his primary over challenger Elayne Brunson for the Democratic nomination in his bid to retain his Sumter County Council District 6 seat on Tuesday night.

In unofficial results released by the Sumter County Voter Registration and Elections Office reported shortly after 9 p.m., McCain had won 69.2% of the vote compared to 30.8% for Brunson.

In total voting for the seven precincts in the district, McCain collected 765 votes, and Brunson tallied 341.

The chairman of county council, McCain will face no Republican opposition in the November election. Baker's and Edens’ seats are both up for reelection, but they face no opposition in November’s general election and did not on Tuesday, either.

He was first elected to represent District 6, which spans much of the central city including downtown and South Sumter, in 2014 and is now wrapping up his second term.

McCain said Tuesday was an anxious day but that he thinks his track record lifted him over the top.

“Yes, there were some butterflies and concerns,” he said. “You always wonder, ‘Did I do everything that I could and is there something I should have done differently?’ But I think my experience on council helped me win.”

He added he is glad the process is over with now. No Republicans filed to run for the seat.