Chapin, October 24, 2025

News Summary

The family of late Chapin Mayor Al Koon has endorsed Mayor Pro-Tem Gregg White for a write-in campaign ahead of the upcoming election. Following Koon’s death just weeks before the election, his sons are promoting White as the candidate to honor their father’s legacy. White, also running for re-election on the town council, aims to continue Koon’s vision for the town. However, Koon’s passing raises challenges, as his name will still appear on the ballot, but votes for him will not be counted, causing confusion among voters.

Chapin

The family of late Chapin Mayor Al Koon has publicly endorsed a write-in campaign for Mayor Pro-Tem Gregg White ahead of the upcoming mayoral election. This endorsement comes following Koon’s death on October 17, 2025, just weeks before the election scheduled for November 4, 2025. Koon, who had served as mayor since 2021 and was previously a councilman, will still be on the ballot; however, votes cast for him will not be counted due to his passing.

Election officials have announced that signs will be posted at polling locations to inform voters that votes for Koon will not be counted. Koon’s sons, Ryan and Chris, are actively promoting their father’s legacy by advocating for Gregg White as the preferred write-in candidate. White is also vying for re-election on the town council but has indicated he would accept the mayoral position if he succeeds in the write-in campaign.

In the weeks leading up to his death, Koon had discussed the possibility of running for mayor with White. According to Koon’s family, they wish to continue his legacy, focusing on enhancing the town’s heritage while planning for the future. Along with their endorsement of White, they have also thrown their support behind Jerry Taylor for town council.

The support for White has drawn criticism from Koon’s opponent, Ron Colley, who has suggested that the write-in campaign reflects an effort to consolidate power through a candidate they knew was unwell. Colley expressed a desire to be more hands-on in the mayoral role than his predecessor, asserting that Koon did not have regular office hours— a claim disputed by Chapin’s town administrator, Nicholle Burroughs, who confirmed that Koon indeed held office hours while highlighting challenges that Colley encountered relating to property improvements.

Another mayoral candidate, Bill Mitchell, expressed his condolences regarding Koon’s unexpected passing and emphasized the importance of welcoming new ideas during the election. Koon had been in hospice care shortly before his death and was a long-time resident of Chapin, known for his dedicated service that positively impacted the town’s growth and community welfare.

In the event Koon were to receive the most votes posthumously, the first runner-up among the current candidates will take office as mayor. Voters will also have the opportunity to select candidates for two open seats on Chapin Town Council alongside the mayoral race, as early voting is set to run from October 20 to October 31, 2025.

Key Election Details

• Election Date: November 4, 2025
• Early Voting: October 20 – October 31, 2025
• Current Candidates: Gregg White (write-in), Ron Colley, Bill Mitchell
• Two open seats for town council

Background on Al Koon

• Served as mayor since 2021
• Previously a councilman
• Recognized as a devoted public servant

Challenges in the Election

• Koon’s death will cause confusion regarding voting
• Signage will inform voters of non-counting votes for Koon
• Koon’s legacy sought to be honored by his family

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

South Carolina Education Lottery Draw Results Released
Chapin Voters Face Unprecedented Election Ahead
Mayor Al Koon Laid to Rest in Chapin Community
Chapin Voters Navigate Ballot Confusion After Mayor’s Passing
Chapin Mayor Al Koon Jr. Passes Away
Chapin Mayor Al Koon Passes Away
Chapin Mayor Al Koon Passes Away
Chapin Mayor Al Koon Jr. Passes Away
Mayor Al Koon of Chapin Announces Transition to Hospice Care
Chapin Mayor Al Koon Enters Hospice Care

Additional Resources

• The State: Late Chapin Mayor’s Family Endorses Candidate
• Wikipedia: Chapin, South Carolina
• WISTV: Chapin Mayoral Campaign Updates
• Google Search: Chapin mayor election 2025
• The State: Local Election News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
• Florida Politics: Roger Chapin Fundraising
• Google News: Chapin town council elections
• Orlando Sentinel: Orlando District 3 Election

Author: STAFF HERE Chapin

CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.