Winnsboro mayoral election set for April 1

John McMeekin

It has been my honor to serve the citizens of the Town of Winnsboro and our community over my lifetime. I am married to Lanna McMeekin and we have a married daughter, a grandson, and another grandson on the way. Since I graduated from college, my life has been dedicated to serving my community and providing for my family.

I began serving the Town of Winnsboro as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustments at age 23, serving as the chairman for 24 years. Before my current term as Mayor, I served on the Winnsboro Town Council for four years, serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee and as Mayor Pro Tem.

I served on the Fairfield County Election Commission for nine years, helping to reorganize and expand the commission from three to seven members as required by the State of South Carolina. I also served on the Fairfield County Planning Commission for two years.

I served on the Board of Directors of two separate banks, as a member of the audit committee of one bank and as the chairman of the audit committee of a second bank.

As a member of Sion Presbyterian Church, I served nine years as the treasurer, and served as a deacon and an elder.

I ran a successful retail furniture business, Winnsboro Furniture Company, Inc., for 38 years in downtown Winnsboro until I retired.

I currently serve as Chairman of the Fairfield Joint Water and Sewer System, Chairman of the Environmental Planning Advisory Committee for the Central Midlands Council of Governments (consisting of Fairfield, Newberry, Richland, and Lexington Counties) and I am a member of the Executive Committee of the Central Midlands Council of Governments.

As Chairman of the Fairfield Joint Water and Sewer System I am pursuing a wastewater treatment plant of enough size that is capable to provide an important component to attract industry and create jobs for the people of the Town of Winnsboro and Fairfield County.

Winnsboro was once a busy town. I have watched the population’s steep decline since 2004. Our town and county have a high percentage of citizens living on fixed incomes relative to surrounding counties. For Winnsboro to grow and prosper, Fairfield County must be able to provide the necessary infrastructure to attract industries and jobs so our young people will have the financial opportunity to stay in Winnsboro and live vibrant lives here.

I love the Town of Winnsboro. I have lived here all my life. While Mayor, our Town has been awarded almost $19 million in governmental funds. I will dedicate myself to work for prosperity again. With the new Scout Motors plant being built nearby, the opportunity for growth is here.

Demetrius Chatman

To the People of Winnsboro,

Whether you’ve already voted during early voting or plan to head to the polls on April 1st, I want to thank you—for showing up, staying engaged, and believing in the power of your voice. This election isn’t just about choosing a mayor; it’s about choosing the future we want to build together.

For me, this campaign has never been about titles or status. It’s about responsibility—honoring the trust you’ve placed in me over the years and stepping up to serve when called. I’ve walked this journey with you, not above you. I’ve listened on porches, in church pews, at cookouts, and at council meetings. And every time, the message has been clear: Winnsboro is ready to move forward.

We’ve spent years talking about potential. Now it’s time to realize it. Our town has the opportunity to grow—not just in population but in opportunity, innovation, and prosperity. Growth means more than new businesses and development; it means investing in our people, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our communities so that every neighborhood thrives. As mayor, I won’t have all the answers, but I will bring the work ethic, relationships, and readiness to lead with compassion and conviction. I understand how government works and know that collaboration, not control, gets things done.

I’ll also bring ideas. We can learn from peer cities—those that have faced similar challenges and found creative, effective solutions. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we need to apply what works and make it fit for us. That’s leadership that listens, adapts, and delivers.

But more than policies and plans, this race is about people. It’s about making sure your voice matters at Town Hall. It’s about creating space for residents who’ve long felt unheard. It’s about building a Winnsboro where everyone—from young families and small business owners to retired educators and lifelong neighbors—feels proud to call our town home. Growth should never come at the expense of our identity; instead, it should build upon our strengths and values, ensuring we remain a close-knit, thriving community.

I’m not asking for your vote because I want to be mayor. I’m asking for your vote because we can lead with integrity, act with urgency, and deliver the progress our town deserves.

If elected, I promise to be a mayor who shows up—not just in council chambers, but in every corner of our community. A mayor who listens with humility, leads with heart, and never forgets who he serves.

Winnsboro, this is our moment. Let’s meet it with courage, unity, and the hope that our best days are still ahead.

Thank you for believing.

Thank you for voting.