The South Carolina Democratic Party is refusing to allow an African American candidate, Alan Ali, to run for sheriff of Charleston County on the Democratic ballot.
The party chair argued Ali’s support for Democratic values was in question as he had previously considered running as a Republican in a different county.
“I am not certifying Alan Ali for the ballot for the primary election on June 11, 2024, pursuant to South Carolina Democratic Party Rule 11,” South Carolina Democrat Party (SCDP) Chair Christale Spain wrote.
“Mr. Ali made it clear during the meeting last week that he explored running for sheriff as a Republican in Dorchester County where he owns his residence so that was a huge flag for me,” Spain stated. “It said to me that Mr. Ali was party shopping.”
While Ali meets the residency requirements, the chair accused him of “party shopping”.
Ali has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, including with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and announced his candidacy in December 2023 citing a desire for fundamental change based on community concerns.
However, the party is invoking a rule allowing it to deny certification to candidates who do not demonstrate sufficient allegiance to the party.
“I think it’s hearing the personal stories of people in and around the community, in Edisto Island and McClellanville and around Hollywood, and just hearing these personal stories over and over again, that people are looking for fundamental change,” Ali said previously.
Ali would be running against the incumbent sheriff, who made history as the first woman and openly LGBTQ person elected sheriff in South Carolina.
His candidacy aims to provide alternative options for voters but is being blocked from the Democratic primary ballot.
