SC candidates gear up for races as filing closes

FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Monday was the deadline for candidates to file for the 2020 General Election in South Carolina for many offices.

One of the many races people will have their eyes on is the race for sheriff in Florence County.

TJ Joye, Glen Kirby, Jody Lynch and Darrin Yarborough all filed by Monday.

Frizell Moore told News13 he’s running as a petition candidate.

“I’m a right now sheriff,” Darrin Yarborough said. “I’m a person that right now in my current position, I could walk in that sheriff’s office and get it back on track for the people of Florence County. I am a right now candidate, and a right now sheriff.”

Yarborough, like the other candidates, has an extensive background in law enforcement. He’s worked with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, Florence police, as a criminal investigator with FCSO, among many other roles.

Yarborough said he would emphasize transparency as the sheriff. He said he would push for body cameras on deputies.

“One of the main reasons I’m running for sheriff is because Florence County is my home,” he said. “I was born and raised here… And I want to make sure Florence County is getting the right leadership they deserve in their sheriff’s office.”

Joye, meanwhile, emphasized discipline and structure. Another law enforcement veteran, he spent over 20 years with Highway Patrol after working at FCSO and in the Army National Gaurd.

“As far as boots on the ground, that’s a deterrent when you’re out there, visibility,” Joye said. “We’ve got to enhance our patrol division…. and investigations. Crimes haven’t been solved.”

Joye also brought up the importance of making sure schools are secured.

Jody Lynch, who filed Monday, also ran for sheriff in 2016. Lynch

“All of my platforms still remain the same,” Lynch said. “I’ve never wavered… I still believe in my community. I believe in integrity. Commitment. For the people. And accountability is huge.”

She said her vision for Florence County is to rebuild the trust. Lynch owns a private security company called Southern Safety Group, which has given her the opportunity to work natural disasters such as Hurricane Florence. Her resume also features Florence PD and FCSO. That experience, she says, will give her an edge in the election.

Glen Kirby- who is Florence County’s Chief Deputy- talked to News13 about his accomplishments so far this year at the sheriff’s office. He hopes to continue that momentum as sheriff.

“Going out and working high crime areas and that’s really showing a difference,” Chief Kirby said. “Our burglaries and break ins have slowed down. A lot of things we started back in January.”

Chief Kirby has been in law enforcement for over 30 years, and has been Chief Deputy in Florence for six. He says that experience has prepared him to be sheriff.

Several other local races are happening across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee. Here is a list of candidates who have filed in a few of those races:

City of Florence: Mayor