Editorial: South Carolina Special Elections are Tomorrow: Palmetto Examiner endorses two candidates: Oden and Ward

There are some special elections currently under way in South Carolina. Early voting ended Friday. So, if you live in an area holding a special election, tomorrow is your last chance, last call for voting. Polls will be open from 7am to 7pm. And since voter turnout is usually low for special elections, your vote could matter more than ever. Here’s who Palmetto Examiner endorses, and we hope you’ll consider voting for.

Bill Oden gives a high five to a student at Liberty
Steam Charter School in Sumter during their 4th 
annual Liberty Leadership Experience May 21. An
event that allows community leaders to take
a closer look at the school's operations. 

State House District 50: Republican Bill Oden is our pick. Oden has never held any political office, but I don’t believe that is necessarily a bad thing. What he lacks in experience of holding office he makes up for in service. He’s a 20 plus year military veteran and his distinguished military service record in the United States Air Force and the South Carolina Guard brings the ideals of service, duty and honor that is needed in SC House District 50.

Oden will stand for the sanctity of life, will protect our second amendment rights and will work to cut the red tape and lower taxes to help attract new jobs and keep the ones already in District 50.

Oden also has a strong record of community service as a board member on the Sumter County SC Habitat for Humanity. A member of the Military Affairs Committee on the Sumter Conty SC Chamber of Commerce. Chairman of the Board for Hidden Wounds. Member of the Board of Trustees at SC State University and Chairman of the Sumter County GOP.

This election will replace former Democrat Rep. Will Wheeler, who unexpectantly resigned three days into the legislative session in January after holding the seat for eight years. The district includes portions of Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties.

This district has been a democrat stronghold for too long and it’s time for a change to escape the Jim Clyburn corridor of shame of one of the most poverty strickenUS Congressional Districts in the nation.

His democrat opponent is endorsed by Clyburn and Planned Parenthood, that sounds like more of the same ole situation to us.

Mike Ward speaks at a candidate meet and greet held 
by the Lexington County NAACP on May 30, 2025.

IRMO TOWN COUNCIL: Mike Ward has been a cheerleader for Irmo. He loves the place and wants to see it succeed. Ward knows Irmo is growing fast, and he wants it to grow smart with a plan for infrastructure that keeps Irmo’s comfortable charm. He’s also the only candidate in the race We’ve met and that means a lot.

Mike has built a portfolio of trust in public service. He currently chairs the Irmo Okra Strut Commission, serves as chair of the School Improvement Council at Dutch Fork Elementary and has held key leadership positions in the South Carolina PTA.

He’s also a businessman leading two cyber security companies focused on protecting small businesses and older adults stay safe from cyber threats online. He has also worked closely with the FBI to help protect critical infrastructure across the state.

His combined experience in public service and business leadership gives him a unique and practical perspective to serve Irmo well into the future.

Now go vote, bring a like-minded friend!