WINNSBORO – The results for the Town of Winnsboro election are in. With a 28.93 percent turnout of 2,333 registered voters, Demetrius Chatman, with 366 votes, won the mayoral race over incumbent John McMeekin with 307 votes. There were 2 write-in votes.
In a Facebook post shortly after the results were announced, McMeekin said this:
“My friends, the election is over and while the outcome was not in my favor, I appreciate everyone who voted for me and supported me. It has been my honor to have served you.
“We currently have projects in place that have the potential to return prosperity to Winnsboro and our County. My sincerest wish is for all the employees of the Town of Winnsboro, who truly are the ones who keep our extended community functioning, continue to be supported in their work so the needed prosperity can be realized.
“May God bless you, the Town of Winnsboro and Fairfield County. Thank you!”
Chatman, who will be Winnsboro’s first black mayor, commented in a press release that he was overwhelmed with gratitude.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This moment belongs to each and every one of you who believed in a brighter future for our town. I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be elected as your next mayor,” Chatman wrote.
“First, I want to acknowledge my faith,” Chatman said. “It has been my anchor throughout this entire journey. In moments of uncertainty, it reminded me to keep going and trust the path ahead. To my family, friends, and dedicated supporters, you’ve been my steady source of strength. Your encouragement lifted me up on the hardest days, and your belief in me never wavered.
“I also want to thank Mayor John McMeekin for his years of service and commitment to Winnsboro. His leadership helped shape the foundation of this town, and I look forward to building on that work as we move forward together,” he said.
A special election to fill Chatman’s town council seat will be held 13 Tuesdays from the date he submits his letter of resignation to Fairfield County Voter Registration, according to Voter Registration Director Jackie Beaver.
“We will be making that information available as soon as we receive Councilman Chatman’s letter,” Beaver said.
Bartell, Burroughs Retain Seats
In the town council race, District 2 councilwoman and incumbent Janice Bartell was unopposed and took 89 votes.
James “Jae” Burroughs also ran unopposed to win a second term on town council with 227 votes. Burroughs represents District 4. There were 4 write-ins for that seat.
There was one provisional vote that will be decided Friday morning at 10 at the Fairfield County Voter Registration and Election office.
