Rock Hill, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Rock Hill are preparing for the city council election in Ward 5, where incumbent Perry Sutton faces former councilwoman Nikita Jackson. Early voting began on October 20, 2025, and will continue until October 31, 2025. Sutton, a 30-year Coast Guard veteran, emphasizes achievements in affordable housing and infrastructure, while Jackson aims to improve essential services in the Southside area. Both candidates are committed to balancing growth with community needs as they vie for the role.
Rock Hill residents are gearing up for the upcoming city council election in Ward 5, where incumbent Perry Sutton is facing off against former councilwoman Nikita Jackson. Early voting commenced on October 20, 2025, and will extend until October 31, 2025. Election Day voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at assigned polling locations.
Perry Sutton became the Ward 5 city council member after winning a runoff election in 2022 against Jackson. In the initial election, Jackson received 317 votes while Sutton had 310, leading to a runoff due to neither candidate achieving a majority. Sutton won the runoff with over 60% of the vote.
As a 30-year veteran of the Coast Guard and a dedicated youth football coach, Sutton emphasizes a strong work ethic, pledging to give 110% in his role as council member. His campaign materials showcase numerous achievements, including advancements in affordable housing, the establishment of a mental health coalition, and advocacy for infrastructure improvements specifically targeting the Southside region of Rock Hill.
Nikita Jackson aims to return to the council with a focus on improving infrastructure in Ward 5. As the first Black woman to serve as chair of the York County Democratic Party, Jackson is also a full-time social worker and leads the South Carolina Community Health Worker Association. She insists on the need for a grocery store and other essential amenities in the Southside area to alleviate commuting issues for local residents.
Sutton asserts that meaningful progress has been made in Ward 5 during his tenure and believes in the potential for responsible growth. Both candidates emphasize the importance of recruiting major businesses to Rock Hill while ensuring a balance with maintaining a local workforce and affordable housing.
Sutton highlights his accessibility to voters and engages actively in community cleanup efforts after disasters, while Jackson intends to represent the interests of those who feel overlooked during the city’s transformations. She intends to advocate for her constituents’ needs and educate fellow council members on the distinct requirements of Ward 5.
Both candidates are lifelong residents of Rock Hill and share a mutual concern for the city’s future development, emphasizing the balance between growth and community needs. With early voting already underway, the outcome of this election may have a significant impact on the direction of Ward 5’s development and resources.
Key Election Details
- Early Voting: October 20, 2025 – October 31, 2025
- Election Day: Voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Candidates Overview
| Candidate | Background | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Perry Sutton | 30-year Coast Guard veteran, youth football coach | Affordable housing, mental health coalition, infrastructure improvements |
| Nikita Jackson | First Black woman chair of York County Democratic Party, social worker | Infrastructure improvement, grocery store access, representing unvoiced constituents |
Vote Information
The city council election will determine the future leadership of Rock Hill’s Ward 5, impacting local development and resources within the community.
FAQ Section
What is the date of the upcoming city council election in Rock Hill’s Ward 5?
The city council election will take place on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Who are the candidates running for the Ward 5 city council seat?
The candidates are incumbent Perry Sutton and former councilwoman Nikita Jackson.
When did early voting start for the city council election?
Early voting started on October 20, 2025, and runs until October 31, 2025.
What were the results of the previous election between Sutton and Jackson?
In the initial 2022 election, Jackson received 317 votes, while Sutton received 310, requiring a runoff in which Sutton won with over 60% of the vote.
What are Sutton’s key achievements while in office?
Sutton has highlighted his work on affordable housing, the formation of a mental health coalition, and advocating for infrastructure improvements on the Southside.
What is Nikita Jackson’s motivation for running again?
Jackson aims to push for better infrastructure in Ward 5 and to advocate for her constituents’ needs.
What do both candidates emphasize regarding the future of Rock Hill?
Both candidates support recruiting big businesses to Rock Hill, stressing the importance of maintaining a local workforce and affordable housing.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Ward 5 City Council Election 2025
- Wikipedia: Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Herald: Rock Hill City Council Election Updates
- Google Search: Rock Hill Ward 5 City Council Election
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill City Council Candidates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rock Hill
- WBTV: Rock Hill Council Votes on Recreation Fees
- Google News: Rock Hill City Council
- WSOC: Rock Hill Policy Updates
- Google Scholar: Rock Hill City Council 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.
