News Summary

In the upcoming primary election, Republican candidates Barbara Morgan and Clayton Clarkson are competing for the Aiken City Council District 6 seat. Morgan, a former solicitor, emphasizes community fairness and infrastructure maintenance, while Clarkson focuses on zoning reforms and fiscal responsibility. Both candidates aim to improve public engagement and safety as they campaign for voter support leading up to the election.

Aiken, South Carolina – Republican candidates Barbara Morgan and Clayton Clarkson are competing for the Aiken City Council District 6 seat in the upcoming primary election scheduled for August 12, 2025. The winner of the primary will advance to face Democratic candidate Lisa Smith in the general election set for November 4, 2025.

Barbara Morgan, a former solicitor, has built a distinguished career in law enforcement within Aiken County, which forms the cornerstone of her candidacy. Morgan’s campaign is anchored on her motto of “Fairness for All,” and she has gained a reputation among supporters for her compassionate and intelligent approach to community issues. Notable endorsements for Morgan include former mayor’s son Harry Odell Weeks, Jr., who commends her professionalism and extensive community experience.

Meanwhile, Clayton Clarkson, another Republican contender, is focusing on the pressing issues of outdated zoning ordinances and a perceived lack of public engagement in the city’s growth planning. Both candidates agree on the necessity for the city council to improve its communication with residents, signaling a shared concern for transparency and public involvement in local governance.

Shared Priorities and Distinct Strategies

Both Morgan and Clarkson are vocal about the pressing challenge Aiken faces regarding aging infrastructure and the impacts of rapid population growth. Morgan emphasizes a public plan that prioritizes the maintenance of existing infrastructure before greenlighting new developments, aiming to ensure that the city’s foundational systems can adequately support its expanding population.

On the other hand, Clarkson dives into the challenges posed by the city’s current zoning policies. He advocates for a more participatory approach to urban development, encouraging greater public discourse surrounding future growth. His campaign also emphasizes fiscal responsibility, with a commitment to maintaining low taxes while adequately funding essential city services.

Accountability and Safety

Both candidates have detailed their positions on public safety and infrastructure investment, recognizing the community’s need for robust disaster management and emergency response strategies. Clarkson has called for a reevaluation of city resources to enhance public safety measures, while Morgan supports open bidding processes as a way to ensure transparency and accountability in city spending, aiming to strengthen taxpayers’ trust in local government.

Community Engagement

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, both Morgan and Clarkson are campaigning on platforms that prioritize better engagement and feedback from residents. They believe providing a channel for constructive communication will foster trust between the city council and the community, ultimately leading to decisions that reflect the needs and desires of Aiken residents.

Looking Ahead

As the primary election approaches, both candidates are intensifying their campaigns to reach voters in District 6. They are placing a collective emphasis on critical issues while presenting varying strategies to attract support. As voters prepare to cast their ballots on August 12, the outcome could significantly shape the direction of local governance in Aiken.

In addition to the political developments, Aiken is set to experience a mix of clouds and sunshine, transitioning to a cloudy atmosphere with a slight chance of rain in the afternoon. The expected high for the day is 82°F, with a low of 71°F.

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Additional Resources

• Aiken Standard: City Council Primary Candidates Questionnaire
• Post and Courier: Letter on Morgan’s Vision
• Aiken Standard: Letter Supporting Barbara Morgan
• Wikipedia: General Knowledge
• Encyclopedia Britannica: General Knowledge

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken 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 Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. 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, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.