The South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) released the following statement regarding the non-certification of Sheriff Candidate Alan Ali:
"Last week the South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) Executive Council unanimously voted against recommending the certification of Mr. Alan Ali in the 2024 Democratic Primary for Charleston County Sheriff. That recommendation was accepted by SCDP Chairwoman Christale Spain who declined to certify Mr. Ali as a Democratic candidate.
Under SCDP rule XI any South Carolina Democrat may challenge the qualifications of a candidate who has filed for office as a Democrat. The SCDP received a challenge to Mr. Ali’s candidacy, a meeting regarding the challenge was held April 4th, and Mr. Ali was invited to respond.
Based on Mr. Ali’s own comments in that meeting, the SCDP Executive Council voted and recommended that Mr. Ali should not be certified as a Democratic candidate.
“Unfortunately, by his own admission, Mr. Ali raised serious questions about his allegiance to the Democratic Party and its values," South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain said. "The Democratic Party Rules empower me to ensure candidates appearing on their ballot as Democrats are Democrats. My decision does not prevent Mr. Ali from running for Sheriff and he has a right to run for any office he chooses - but he does not have a right to run as a Democrat.”
South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Sam Skardon added, I support Chairwoman Spain’s decision in this case and it does not come as a surprise. Mr. Ali has an extensive history of voting in Republican primaries. He told me directly that he considered running as a Republican, met with Republicans about running this year, and has been encouraged to run by our former Republican Sheriff.”
The 38 other Democrats who filed in 29 Charleston County races were certified. The party’s diverse slate will include 21 non-white candidates and 16 women on ballots throughout Charleston County."
