Folly Beach voters to fill city council seat in special election

Two candidates, John McFarland and DJ Rich, are vying for the vacant seat on the Folly Beach City Council.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Folly Beach, South Carolina, is holding a special election on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to fill a vacant city council seat. The two candidates on the ballot are John McFarland and DJ Rich, both of whom have previous experience running for local office. McFarland unsuccessfully ran for a city council seat in 2025, while Rich served on the city council for 14 years before running for mayor in 2025, earning 23% of the vote.

Why it matters

This special election is important for Folly Beach residents as it will determine who will fill the vacant city council seat and help shape the future direction of the coastal community. The outcome could impact issues such as short-term rental regulations, which McFarland has advocated for through his organization Save Folly's Future.

The details

The special election is being held after Chris Bizzell was elected mayor, leaving a vacant city council seat. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, and voters can cast their ballots at Folly Beach Baptist Church.

  • The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • McFarland ran unsuccessfully for a city council seat in the fall of 2025.
  • Rich served on the Folly Beach City Council for 14 years before running for mayor in 2025.

The players

John McFarland

A candidate in the Folly Beach City Council special election who unsuccessfully ran for a council seat in 2025. He has advocated for a cap on short-term rentals through his organization, Save Folly's Future.

DJ Rich

A candidate in the Folly Beach City Council special election who served on the city council for 14 years before running for mayor in 2025, earning 23% of the vote.

Chris Bizzell

The former Folly Beach City Council member who was elected mayor, leaving a vacant council seat that is now being filled by the special election.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This special election in Folly Beach highlights the importance of local politics and the impact that city council members can have on issues like short-term rental regulations, which are a key concern for many residents in the coastal community.