The Democratic candidate in the Horry County School Board election has dropped out of the race.
Heather Johnson announced her withdrawal from the race in a press release on Tuesday.
In the release, Johnson says one reason for her decision is the history of Democratic candidates within the county. “No Democrat has won a county-wide race in more than a quarter century,” she says. “Because I am not a politician, I was naive in that, even if voters on both side of the isle favor my candidacy, ‘Straight-Ticket voting’ (pushing the ‘R’) assures a Republican victory in November.”
“Dragging this decision out another four months only delays the inevitable coronation of Ken Richardson as Chairman,” she adds as another reason for her decision.
Johnson also says she didn’t enter the race for “political power or notoriety.” “I did it because I’m a mother and a former teacher and I am concerned that we are losing a generation of young Americans. Communication skills, fundamental manners, self-value and authentic respect for others are items that are being lost in today’s fast-paced digital society. I want to use my time, money and energy efficiently to champion change on this front.”
She also says in the release she believes “party affiliation should not be a factor when running for or voting on school board positions.”
Johnson states she has offered to help Richardson by serving as “a liaison concerning teacher insight and student needs.”
Richardson is now running unopposed in the November election.
