3 of 4 African-American judges retain seats in Jefferson

by Jason Riley, Courier Journal

A little less than two years ago, retirements left Jefferson County with no African Americans among its 40 judges in circuit, district or family court.

Heeding a call for more diversity on the bench, Gov. Steve Beshear appointed four African Americans to fill judicial vacancies over the last year or so — and Tuesday night, three of those four choices were validated by voters.

But it certainly wasn’t easy for Circuit Court Judge Brian Edwards, in Division 11, who eked by John VanderToll, winning by only about 300 votes.

And District Judge Erica Lee Williams had an even tougher struggle with A. Christine Ward, finishing about 200 votes ahead, and leaving the normally loquacious Williams nearly speechless.

First African-American Republican since Reconstruction elected to state house

by Jeremy Turnage
WIS10

Tim Scott became the first African-American Republican since Reconstruction elected to the South Carolina State House after Tuesday’s elections.

Scott will be representing District 117 at the State House.

Scott was formerly the chairman of the Charleston County Council.

SC Republican Party Chairman Katon Dawson congratulated Scott for his victory.

“I couldn’t be prouder that Tim is the first African-American elected as a Republican to serve in the South Carolina State House since Reconstruction,” Dawson said.