Belk, Breeden headed to June 25 runoff in York County sheriff Republican primary

York County SC

Republicans Michael Belk and Tony Breeden will head to a runoff on June 25 after leading all night in the competitive York County sheriff’s primary. The two were just a percentage point apart.

At 11:30 p.m, Belk had over 26% of the vote, with 24,285 votes cast and 99 out of 100 precincts reported. Breeden had over 25%.

The first-place finisher needed more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Because there’s no Democratic competition, the face-off between Belk and Breeden in two weeks will select the next sheriff to take office in January 2025.

The runoff pits Belk, the deputy chief at the Rock Hill Police Department, against Breeden, who retired from Rock Hill police in 2022.

Here were unofficial the results around 11:30 p.m., according to the S.C. Election Commission:

• Belk, the first-place candidate, had over 26% of the vote
• Second-place candidate Tony Breeden had over 25%
• Beth Bryant Tolson had around 18%
• Chris Blevins had 17%
• Heath Clevenger had 12%.

Belk, 53, has worked for Rock Hill police for 31 years. He rose through the ranks to be second-in-command at a department with more than 200 employees.

Belk said around 11:30 p.m. he appreciated the support from the community and was honored to receive the most votes. Belk said he looks forward to the runoff.

“Our team still needs those voters who showed up today — and a lot more — to show up again on the 25th,” Belk said. “It’s clear that York County wants an experienced sheriff that is a proven leader and tough on crime.”

Breeden, 55, retired as a patrol lieutenant in Rock Hill. He was a longtime SWAT member.

Breeden said he feels confident about being positioned for a runoff. He thanked those who voted for him Tuesday, and said a runoff will give voters a chance to look closer at the remaining candidates.

“Once they take a look at the candidates, I believe I will be the clear favorite,” Breeden said.

Meanwhile, Tolson, wife of current sheriff Kevin Tolson and daughter of former sheriff Bruce Bryant, trailed the top two candidates throughout the night. Retired deputy Blevins was close behind Tolson in fourth place.

In a statement to The Herald, Clevenger conceded he would not win or make a runoff late Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, tonight did not go the way we’d hoped it would,” Clevenger said. “Still, it was an honor getting to know the voters of York County in these past few months”

When asked who he would endorse if the race goes to runoff, Clevenger declined comment.

The sheriff earns $209,261 per year and serves a four-year term.

York County sheriff primary

The Republican winner is almost assured to win the November general election and take office in January because there are no Democratic or other party candidates.

Current sheriff Kevin Tolson filed for re-election March 18, but withdrew from the race when filing ended April 1 — when his wife filed for the job. He supported his wife’s bid for sheriff. State law allowed the party to extend filing because there was only one candidate left after the withdrawal of Kevin Tolson.

The sheriff’s office has than 300 employees in law enforcement and detention. The sheriff has countywide jurisdiction, but is separate from municipal police departments in Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York, Clover and Tega Cay. The annual budget for the sheriff’s office is around $55 million, York County documents show.

The sheriff’s office has its own lab for DNA and drugs and and other forensic testing, and operates units that include patrol, detectives, traffic, and other specialized services.

This story was originally published June 11, 2024, 8:06 PM.