HANAHAN, S.C. – Filing officially opened Friday for a vacant seat on Hanahan City Council following the resignation of former Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth amid federal child exploitation charges.
According to Berkeley County government, individuals interested in running for the nonpartisan council seat can file now through 12 p.m. on Monday, May 18.
Candidates may file weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Berkeley County Voter Registration and Elections Office located at 1003 Highway 52 in Moncks Corner.
County officials announced the special election to fill the vacant seat will be held Tuesday, July 14.
The vacancy stems from the April resignation of former Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Phillip Hedgpeth, who stepped down from both city council and his leadership role after being charged federally with possession and production of child sexual abuse material.
The resignation prompted a leadership transition inside city government, leading council members to appoint longtime councilman and pastor Adam Spurlock as the city’s new Mayor Pro Tem during a special meeting held April 20 at Yeamans Hall Gym.
Spurlock, a lifelong Hanahan resident, has served on city council since winning a special election in 2020 and was re-elected in 2022. He also serves as pastor of Restoration Community Church in Hanahan.
In announcing Spurlock’s appointment, Christie Rainwater described him as a steady and community-focused leader during what city officials called a challenging period for the city.
READ MORE l Ex-Hanahan Mayor Pro Tem Waives Hearing in Child Exploitation Case
“Adam is exactly the kind of steady, community-rooted leader Hanahan needs at this moment,” Rainwater said in a statement following the appointment. “We are grateful he has stepped into this role.”
Spurlock also addressed residents after accepting the position, saying he was honored to serve the city where he was raised.
“Hanahan is a resilient city, and I am committed to helping move us forward with integrity and purpose,” he said. “I ask for the community’s continued trust as we navigate this together.”
📰SUBSCRIBE: Get the latest Berkeley County, SC news delivered to your inbox.
City officials previously said they were working closely with the Berkeley County Election Commission to organize the special election process following Hedgpeth’s resignation.
Hanahan City Council is expected to continue discussing city business and the transition during upcoming council meetings as residents prepare to elect a new representative this summer.
