The
Bluffton Blufft n Sun June 2, 2026 • Volume 29, Issue 11 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
Look inside for the 2026 Hurricane Guide
Cast your vote
SC Primary on schedule after redistricting debate By Channing Heiss Contributor
Questions surrounding a congressional redistricting proposal that failed in the South Carolina Senate prompted the South Carolina Election Commission to reassure voters that the June 9 primary election will proceed as scheduled. In a statement released by agency spokeswoman Kaitlynn Weeks, Executive Director Conway Belangia said the commission remains focused on administering the election. “Our focus remains delivering a fair, impartial and accessible election for every eligible voter in South Carolina, and that work continues regardless of ongoing activity at the State House,” Belangia said. The proposal would have redrawn South Carolina’s congressional districts and delayed congressional primaries while new maps were implemented. While statewide races for governor, other executive offices and seats in Congress often draw the most attention, several county and district races also are drawing interest in Beaufort County.
Sheriff
In the race for Beaufort County sheriff, Republicans Doug Seifert and JoJo Woodward are competing in the GOP primary to succeed retiring Sheriff P.J. Tanner. Tanner, who has served as sheriff since 2009, announced earlier this year that he would not seek another term. The winner will face Democratic candidate Alphonso Small Jr. in the general election. Before joining the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Seifert served on the town council in North Bend, Ohio. He has been with the sheriff’s office since 2006, where he started in front-line enforcement. He later moved into investigations, where he worked cases involving child abuse, homicides, burglaries and vehicle breakins and rose to lieutenant of the Southern Enforcement Branch, which includes
Hilton Head Island and southern Beaufort County. Seifert has a six-point plan for law enforcement in Beaufort County. According to his campaign website, Seifert’s platform includes strengthening community relationships, recruiting and retaining deputies, traffic enforcement, anti-fraud initiatives and drug enforcement efforts. Woodward, a Beaufort County native, has more than 35 years of law enforcement experience. He joined the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in 1986 and served there for 26 years, including as commander of the Southern Enforcement Branch and liaison to Hilton Head Island. His background also includes work in drug enforcement, major crimes, marine enforcement and human trafficking investigations with the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Since 2022, he has served with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. According to his campaign website, Woodward’s priorities include increasing staffing, supporting deputies, improving budget transparency and expanding community engagement. Small, the Democratic candidate, grew up in Hampton County and now lives in Bluffton. He represents District 6 on the Beaufort County Board of Education, where he has supported school safety measures. According to a news release announcing his candidacy, Small’s priorities include rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the community, improving transparency, engaging youth and increasing officer salaries to improve retention and morale. Small earned a criminal justice degree from Claflin University and began his career with the South Carolina Department of Corrections. He also has worked with police departments in Hardeeville, Allendale, Fairfax and Estill, as well as the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office.
Beaufort County Council
Several Beaufort County Council seats are contested this election cycle. District 10 Councilman Larry McElynn, District 5 Councilman Joe Passiment and District 4 Councilwoman Alice Howard are not seeking reelection. Among the races most relevant to the Bluffton and Hilton Head Island area: District 5: Republicans Joshua Hower, Joe Maiorano and Mary Jeans Otto are competing in the GOP primary for the seat currently held by Passiment. The winner is expected to face Democrat Lynn Gerson in the general election. Lynn Gerson has emphasized transparency, fiscal responsibility and managing growth and its impacts on the community. Joshua Hower says his campaign focuses on “leadership that listens and plans ahead,” responsible growth, wise spending and preserving neighborhood character. Joe Maiorano lists safe communities, road improvements, environmental protection, challenging overdevelopment and support for Second Amendment rights among his priorities. Mary Jeans Otto says her campaign is focused on fixing traffic problems, addressing infrastructure issues before approving new development and preserving neighborhood character.
VOTE CONT. ON PAGE3
Conceptual Threads
32A
The Last Great Place
41A
The Class of 2026
66A