News Summary
Barbara Morgan has secured the Republican nomination for the Aiken City Council District 6 seat after winning the primary with 58.6% of the votes. Her primary opponent, Clayton Clarkson, received 41.4%. Morgan’s legal experience as a former solicitor will inform her campaign against Democrat Lisa Smith in the November general election. With a focus on rebuilding trust in government and engaging with the community, Morgan aims to address local issues as the general election approaches.
Aiken – Barbara Morgan has been selected as the Republican candidate for the Aiken City Council District 6 seat following her victory in the Republican primary held on August 12, 2025. In a competitive race, Morgan achieved 314 votes, representing 58.6% of the total votes cast, while her opponent, Clayton Clarkson, received 222 votes, or 41.4%. The primary saw a total of 536 voters participating, which accounts for nearly 14% of the 3,841 registered voters in District 6.
With this victory, Morgan will prepare to run against Democrat Lisa Smith in the general election set for November 4, 2025. The seat was previously held by Councilman Ed Holtz, who announced he would not seek reelection, opening the door for new candidates in this vital electoral contest.
Barbara Morgan’s previous experience as the solicitor for the 2nd Judicial Circuit of South Carolina provides her with a solid legal background that she hopes will be beneficial in her upcoming campaign. She expressed her gratitude for the campaign process, emphasizing the significance of community support and voter turnout throughout the election.
In her campaign strategy, Morgan intends to prioritize restoring trust and transparency in government as well as addressing the future direction of Aiken. She believes that open communication with constituents is key to effective governance and is committed to engaging the community in dialogue about local issues and policies.
Despite being competitors, Morgan and Clarkson maintained a respectful and positive campaign dialogue in the lead-up to the primary results. Clarkson, who has served as a franchise development executive for Liberty Tax and spent six years on the Aiken Planning Commission, congratulated Morgan on her victory and has indicated his support for her as she moves forward to the general election.
The Republican primary was particularly significant this year as it was the only contest held to determine a party’s nominee for the city council. Morgan’s win marks a pivotal moment for the local Republican party and sets the stage for an engaging general election against Smith, who is likely to present her own vision and policies for Aiken.
As the general election approaches, both candidates are expected to ramp up their campaigns, focusing on outreach to local constituents in District 6. Voter engagement and turnout will be crucial factors that could influence the outcome of this election. Morgan’s campaign, along with Smith’s, will surely highlight the needs and priorities of the community as they strive to earn the trust and votes of the residents.
With the election date nearing, discussions surrounding various local issues are anticipated to surface, providing an opportunity for voters to hear distinct viewpoints from both Morgan and Smith. The outcome of this election could significantly shape the future policies and governance style of Aiken City Council.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Republican Primary – District 6
- WRDW: Republican Marty Sawyer Wins Aiken County Sheriff’s Race
- Augusta Press: Aiken County Sheriff Race Heats Up as Election Day Approaches
- WJBF: Aiken County Sheriff Republican Primary Race
- Augusta Chronicle: Veteran Lawman Wins GOP Primary for Aiken County Sheriff’s Election
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- Google Search: Aiken City Council elections
- Google Scholar: Aiken City Council
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken
- Google News: Aiken City Council
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.
