WINNSBORO – Political newcomer Demetrius Chatman, 33, defeated two-term incumbent Clyde Sanders Tuesday night to win the District 3 seat on the Winnsboro Town Council.
Voter turnout for the election was low with only 79 (6.46%) of the 1,239 registered voters casting ballots. Debby Stidham, Director of Fairfield County Voter Registration, said.
Chatman
Chatman received the lion’s share of the District 3 votes, with 52 votes to Sanders’ 7.
Unopposed incumbent Danny Miller took all 20 of the votes cast in District 1.
“I’m excited,” Chatman said after learning of his victory. “I just thank all the people who voted for me and who had the faith and trust to let me serve them.”
To celebrate, he said he was headed to church services at the United House of Peace where he is a member.
“I attend every Tuesday and Thursday evening,” Chatman said, “And I’m certainly going tonight.”
While it’s his first time to hold an elected office, Chatman said he is prepared.
“I’ve been going to the meetings and talking to people in my district about things they would like to see brought forward,” Chatman said. “I think knowing what my constituents want is the key.”
A native of Winnsboro, Chatman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from South Carolina State University and an MBA from Webster University. He is also a graduate of Leadership Columbia.
“I love Winnsboro, and that’s why I got into the race, to make things happen,” Chatman said.
Chatman currently works at the University as a program manager for Title III, a federal grant program. A graduate of Fairfield Central High School, Chatman participated in band and student government.
Miller, who has served 24 years on the Town Council, says this will be his last term.
“I enjoy working with people and being their voice,” Miller said.
Growing up in the Zion Hill Section of Winnsboro, Miller said his family roots run deep in the town.
“I’m just happy to have been part of the team for all these years,” he said. “I’m looking forward to continuing my service to the community.”