COLUMBIA – A recount of the close vote between Richland County Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson and challenger Derrek Pugh was completed the Thursday after the election, and the numbers from the day of election stood – Derrek Pugh, 2708; Joyce Dickerson, 2,656. Pugh was the winner.
Under South Carolina state law, a recount is automatically triggered if the margin of victory separating the winning candidate from the second-place finisher is no more than one percent of the total votes cast for that office. The total number of votes cast was 5,417. Pugh won by 52 votes, and that number was within one percent.
In a prepared statement, Pugh thanked his supporters for their votes and said he looks forward to “serving, leading, and standing alongside each of you, as we make Richland County an even better place to live, work, and grow. Again, I cannot thank you all enough for making sure your voices were heard, and it is clear that you are ready for change.”
Pugh will face Green party candidate Javar Juarez of Columbia in the Nov. 3 general election.
Story updated June 17, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.
