SC Election Agency Interim Director Withdraws Candidacy for Top Job

Jenny Wooten had been chosen to permanently lead the agency but has now withdrawn her application.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Following months of leadership changes at South Carolina's election agency, the commission's appointment for the top job, Jenny Wooten, has withdrawn her candidacy to become the permanent executive director. Wooten had been serving as the interim director since September 2025 after the previous director, Howard Knapp, was fired and later arrested on charges of misconduct, embezzlement, and ethics violations.

Why it matters

The withdrawal of Wooten's candidacy adds further uncertainty to the leadership of the South Carolina Election Commission, which has faced significant turnover in recent months. The commission is responsible for administering the state's elections, and stable leadership is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

The details

Wooten was chosen by the South Carolina Election Commission in December 2025 to permanently lead the agency, but her appointment was still awaiting approval from the state Senate. In a letter dated March 5, 2026, Wooten withdrew her application, citing 'prayerful reflection and careful consideration.' No further explanation was provided. Wooten will continue to serve as the acting director until the commission makes another appointment.

  • Wooten was appointed as interim director in September 2025 after the previous director, Howard Knapp, was fired.
  • Knapp was arrested in October 2025 and charged with misconduct, embezzlement, and ethics violations.
  • Wooten was chosen by the Election Commission in December 2025 to permanently lead the agency.
  • Wooten withdrew her candidacy on March 5, 2026.

The players

Jenny Wooten

The interim director of the South Carolina Election Commission who has now withdrawn her candidacy to become the permanent executive director.

Howard Knapp

The former executive director of the South Carolina Election Commission who was fired and later arrested on charges of misconduct, embezzlement, and ethics violations.

Robert Bolchoz

The chairman of the South Carolina Election Commission.

Dennis Shedd

The former chairman of the South Carolina Election Commission who resigned earlier this year.

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What they’re saying

“I just wanted to thank you, before we depart, for being willing to kind of keep the ship right and moving in the right direction while we go through this process.”

— Robert Bolchoz, Chairman, South Carolina Election Commission

What’s next

The South Carolina Election Commission will now need to appoint a new permanent executive director, a process that could take several months.

The takeaway

The withdrawal of the interim director's candidacy for the top job at the South Carolina Election Commission adds further instability to the leadership of the agency responsible for administering the state's elections. This raises concerns about maintaining public trust in the electoral process during a time of significant turnover at the commission.