Greenville City Council Approved Nonpartisan Elections
The city council voted 5-1 to change local election procedures to comply with state law starting in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in City Hall
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The Greenville City Council passed a new ordinance requiring nonpartisan elections for the mayor and three council seats beginning in 2027. This change aligns local policy with a South Carolina state law governing municipalities with populations over 39,000.
Why it matters
The transition to nonpartisan elections removes party labels from ballots for the mayor and council positions, altering how candidates campaign and how voters identify their choices. This adjustment ensures the city maintains compliance with state legislative requirements for its size.
The ordinance, passed by a 5-1 vote, mandates nonpartisan elections for the mayor and three council seats. It applies to municipalities in South Carolina with populations exceeding 39,000 residents.
The players
Knox White
He is the Mayor of Greenville who has been serving in his position since 1995 and will not seek reelection in 2027.
Lillian Brock Flemming
She is a member of the Greenville City Council who voted against the nonpartisan election ordinance.
Wil Brasington
He is a member of the Greenville City Council who abstained from the vote on the election ordinance.
The details
Under the new system, candidates will face a nonpartisan primary on the second Tuesday in June if more than two people file for an office, with the top two vote-earners advancing to the November general election. Beginning in November 2026, the City Council will also relocate meetings to the Greenville Convention Center for an expected 2.5 years.
Timeline
1995: Mayor Knox White began serving his term.
September 28, 2026: Councilmember Brock Flemming explained her opposition vote.
October 12, 2026: City Council voted 5-1 to approve the ordinance.
October 26, 2026: Final scheduled city hall meeting.
2027: First nonpartisan mayoral and city council elections.
Political Context
Opponents of the shift, including Councilmember Lillian Brock Flemming, raised concerns regarding the removal of partisan identification from the local ballot. This resistance highlights the tension between local political autonomy and state-level mandates that enforce uniform municipal election structures.
Voters will no longer see party affiliations on the ballot for mayor or city council races beginning in 2027. Additionally, citizens attending city council meetings must note the relocation to the Greenville Convention Center starting in November 2026.
The takeaway
Residents should prepare for a primary election cycle in June if more than two candidates enter any single race. Familiarizing yourself with candidate platforms rather than party labels will be essential for the 2027 municipal election.
What happens next
The first nonpartisan mayoral and city council elections are scheduled to take place in 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on local governance, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Greenville News.
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