Rock Hill, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Sarah Emerson Vining and Nate Mallard are competing for the open City Council seat in Rock Hill’s Ward 6, following the retirement of Jim Reno. Both candidates, deeply rooted in the community, are engaging voters on important local issues, focusing on housing and the arts. The election marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Rock Hill, providing residents an opportunity for new representation.
Rock Hill is gearing up for a significant change as two millennial candidates, Sarah Emerson Vining and Nate Mallard, prepare to compete for the vacant City Council seat in Ward 6. This seat is opening up following the retirement of long-serving councilman Jim Reno, who has been in office for 28 years and has served seven terms. This election marks the first occasion in the 21st century that a new representative will be elected for Ward 6.
The district represents a vital part of Rock Hill, stretching from Winthrop University to the Riverwalk along Cherry Road. Both Vining and Mallard bring local roots and entrepreneurial spirit to their campaigns. Mallard currently works as a real estate agent and holds the position of vice chair for the Come-See-Me Festival. Vining is the owner of The Hickory Post, a restaurant located in downtown Rock Hill, and oversees the Rock Hill Artist Collective.
As the election approaches, both candidates have been actively engaging with the community, going door-to-door to connect with voters and gain insight into local issues. Mallard emphasizes accessibility in his campaign strategy, noting that he encourages direct communication with constituents by providing his personal phone number. He possesses four years of experience on the Rock Hill planning commission and has contributed to the city’s comprehensive plan in 2020.
Vining, on the other hand, is focused on balancing the preservation of Rock Hill’s charm while fostering new business opportunities and supporting the arts community. Her background includes healthcare management and managing a high-end hardwood floor company, which adds to her diverse experiences in leadership and business operations.
In terms of their campaign priorities, Mallard is particularly interested in the housing market and its implications for attracting high-paying jobs to Rock Hill. He expresses concerns about the city’s approach to addressing homelessness, stressing that current resources may not be properly allocated. Meanwhile, Vining firmly supports the arts community, arguing for its importance in enhancing the city’s growth and cultural fabric.
Should they be elected, both candidates aim to collaborate with local resources and community partners to drive positive change in Rock Hill. Early voting for the elections will begin on October 20, 2025, and run through October 31, with polling hours set between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day. In addition to the Ward 6 election, Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys will run unopposed for re-election, following the withdrawal of challenger William “Bump” Roddey.
Upcoming Election Schedule
Early voting: October 20, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Polling hours on Election Day: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Candidate Profiles
| Candidate | Profession | Campaign Focus | Community Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nate Mallard | Real Estate Agent | Housing Market and Job Attraction | Vice Chair of Come-See-Me Festival; Planning Commission experience |
| Sarah Emerson Vining | Business Owner | Preserving Local Charm and Arts Support | Owned The Hickory Post; Operates Rock Hill Artist Collective |
Context
The retirement of Jim Reno, who has served as the councilman for Ward 6 for nearly three decades, highlights a pivotal transition in Rock Hill’s political landscape. With incumbent council members estimated to average longer service terms, this upcoming election offers voters a chance to choose a fresh perspective and leadership style for their community. Both Vining and Mallard are determined to use their local roots and entrepreneurial experiences to resonate with their constituents and address pressing community issues.
FAQ
Who are the candidates for Ward 6 in Rock Hill?
Sarah Emerson Vining and Nate Mallard are both candidates for the vacant City Council seat in Rock Hill’s Ward 6.
What are the candidates’ backgrounds?
Both candidates are Rock Hill natives, entrepreneurs, and community organizers.
Who is the incumbent councilman stepping down?
Incumbent councilman Jim Reno is stepping down after serving seven terms and 28 years in office.
What is the geographical coverage of Ward 6?
The district extends from Winthrop University to the Riverwalk along Cherry Road.
What are Mallard’s professional roles?
Mallard is a real estate agent and vice chair of the Come-See-Me Festival.
What are Vining’s professional roles?
Vining owns The Hickory Post in downtown Rock Hill and operates the Rock Hill Artist Collective.
What are candidates’ campaigning strategies?
Both candidates have been actively campaigning by going door-to-door to connect with voters and understand local issues.
When is early voting scheduled?
Early voting for the elections begins on October 20, 2025, and runs through October 31.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill City Council Candidates
- Wikipedia: Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Herald: Business News in Rock Hill
- Google Search: Rock Hill South Carolina
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Policy on Hotels
- Google Scholar: Rock Hill City Council
- WBTV: Rock Hill Council Votes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rock Hill
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Local Election Day
- Google News: Rock Hill Election
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York 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 Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. 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.
