HANAHAN, S.C. — Hanahan voters have chosen Chaz Campbell to fill a vacant seat on city council, giving him a decisive victory in Tuesday’s special election held to replace former Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Hedgpeth, who resigned earlier this year following his arrest on federal child exploitation charges.
According to unofficial results released Tuesday night by the Berkeley County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, Campbell received 385 votes, or 36.67%, defeating a four-candidate field.
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William Axson finished second with 282 votes (26.86%), followed closely by Jeremy Watts with 273 votes (26.00%). Max Diaz received 51 votes (4.86%), while Paul B. Ferrara III garnered 59 votes (5.62%).
A total of 1,052 ballots were cast among 10,958 registered voters, resulting in a voter turnout of 9.6%, according to unofficial election returns.
The special election was called after Hedgpeth resigned from both City Council and his position as mayor pro tem in April following federal charges alleging possession and production of child sexual abuse material.
His resignation prompted city leaders to appoint longtime councilman Adam Spurlock as the new mayor pro tem during a special city council meeting. Mayor Christie Rainwater said at the time that Spurlock’s appointment would help provide stability as the city worked through the transition.
Filing for the vacant, nonpartisan council seat opened in May, with five candidates qualifying to appear on Tuesday’s ballot.
Campbell’s victory fills the final vacancy created by Hedgpeth’s resignation and restores Hanahan City Council to its full membership.
While the election results remain unofficial until certified by election officials, Campbell is expected to take office following the certification process.
