Retired Rock Hill cop Tony Breeden wins York County sheriff Republican runoff
Tony Breeden is in line to be the next York County sheriff after beating Michael Belk in Tuesday’s hotly contested York County sheriff Republican runoff, according to voting numbers released Tuesday night.
Breeden, 55, had about 52% of 17,178 votes with all precincts reporting, according to S.C. Election Commission figures posted online. Belk had just over 48%.
Belk conceded the race around 10 p.m. in a phone call to Breeden, who once worked for Belk at the Rock Hill Police Department. Belk congratulated Breeden and wished him well, both men told The Herald in phone interviews.
Breeden is almost assured to take office in January because no Democrat or other candidate has filed to run in November’s general election.
Tuesday’s results end a two-week runoff that turned into a battle between a top administrator in the Rock Hill Police Department, Belk, and street cop Breeden, who tagged himself a populist voice of the regular guy. Current and previous law enforcement leaders lined up to support Belk, but a key endorsement from York County’s congressman helped propel Breeden to victory.
Breeden: “Sheriff of the people”
Breeden said after winning he plans to serve the public and keep them safe. Protecting the public from crime is a main priority, he said.
“I have made it clear from the beginning I want to be sheriff of the people,” Breeden said. “I am very fortunate.”
Breeden retired in 2022 as a lieutenant after 27 years with Rock Hill police. He worked mainly patrol and traffic and spent 25 years on SWAT.
He said the sheriff’s office already is a strong agency, and he looks forward to working with the men and women employed there.
“I will lean on them,” Breeden said.
He ran a campaign focusing on fighting crime, protecting victims and protecting public safety. Breeden offered a straight-shooting style and was vocal about supporting federal and state rights to carry guns.
He also repeatedly said he was not part of the political or law enforcement establishment. Though, he received a key endorsement from U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, a Republican whose congressional district covers York County.
Breeden is set to become the county’s third sheriff in three decades — the others being Bruce Bryant and outgoing Sheriff Kevin Tolson. Both men are Republicans. Tolson is Bryant’s son-in-law.
Breeden said often during the two weeks leading to the runoff that the 2024 sheriff election was the most important York County race in 30 years.
The sheriff job carries responsibilities for public safety for almost 300,000 York County residents. He not only handles policing outside cities and towns, but also runs the county jail and is the chief conduit between local law enforcement and South Carolina and federal agents.
The sheriff earns $209,261 per year and serves a four-year term. There are more than 400 employees who work at the office with an annual budget of $55 million. The sheriff’s office has its own lab for DNA and drugs and and other forensic testing, and operates units that include patrol, detectives, traffic, and other specialized services.
Belk will stay with Rock Hill police
Belk, who was the leading vote-getter in the June 11 primary, said in a phone interview he appreciated public support. He had endorsements from Kevin and Beth Tolson; Bryant; several retired police chiefs from Fort Mill, York and Winthrop; and two past county GOP chairmen.
“Clearly, this is not what we wanted tonight,” Belk said.
Belk, 53, has been with Rock Hill police for 31 years and said he plans on returning to his job as deputy chief.
Turnout and June 11 primary
Around 9% of York County’s 187,802 registered voters participated Tuesday, according to the York County elections office. About 1,800 of those votes were from early voting last week.
The sheriff runoff was the only race on the ballot in York County.
In the June 11 primary, Belk finished atop four other candidates, with over 26% of the vote. Breeden was closely behind at over 25%. There was a runoff because no candidate got over 50% of the vote June 11.
This story was originally published June 25, 2024 at 7:51 PM.
