Republican Pushes Partisan Elections for Lexington County School Boards

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A new state bill in South Carolina aims to make some Lexington County school board elections partisan, a move that would bring national political divisions into local education decisions. The bill, sponsored by a Republican state legislator, would require partisan elections for school board seats in Lexington County starting in 2028.

Why it matters

This proposal to inject partisan politics into local school board races is part of a broader national trend of increasing politicization of education issues. Critics argue it could further polarize school board decisions and distract from the core mission of serving students, while proponents say it will increase accountability.

The details

The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Michael Pitts, would require Lexington County school board members to run for office under a political party label starting in 2028. Currently, these races are nonpartisan. Pitts says the change is needed to increase transparency and accountability, but opponents argue it will lead to more divisive school board meetings and undermine the focus on students' needs.

• The bill was introduced in the South Carolina state legislature in March 2026.
• If passed, the partisan school board elections would begin in Lexington County in 2028.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The bill will now move through the South Carolina state legislature, where it faces an uncertain future given opposition from education advocates.