Richardson defeats McFadden for Democratic nomination in Clarendon County Council District 1 race

SUMMERTON – Incumbent Clarendon County Councilman Billy Richardson defeated challenger Robert McFadden in Tuesday’s Democratic primary election.

Richardson, a Pinewood resident who represents the Summerton area in District 1, received more than 66% of the votes cast in the election, garnering 493 votes to McFadden’s 247.

“It’s a joyful feeling to have the support of the people for almost 28 years,” Richardson said after votes were counted Tuesday night. “My goal has always been to serve the people the best that I can, and I’m going to continue doing that. This is the place that I love.”

Richardson will face off against Republican challenger Joseph A. Pedalino in November for the general election. Pedalino faced no opposition from within his party to cause a primary.

Richardson's race was the only hyper-local primary in Clarendon County on either ticket. Councilman W. J. Frierson all but retained his District 2 seat after facing no Democratic opposition tonight and seeing no Republican file for the office. District 3 Councilman Benton Blakely, a Democrat, will face Republican challenger Pat Coker in November. Neither needed to secure a nomination tonight against a party challenger.

Along the same lines, Clarendon County Treasurer Matt Evans and Auditor Patricia Pringle, both Democrats, faced no opposition tonight from within their party and will face none in November.