Jason Belton released the following statement on his victory in last night’s Democratic Primary Election for South Carolina Secretary of State:
"I give all glory, honor, and praise to God.
"This victory belongs first and foremost to Him. God’s will was done in this election, and I am humbled beyond words by the trust the people of South Carolina have placed in me.
"As of the last reported results, our campaign is leading by 4,031 votes, earning 50.6 percent of the vote. While the numbers show that we have won this race, we respect the process and look forward to the final validation of our victory.
"I want to congratulate Edwina Winter on a hard-fought campaign. She ran a strong race. But it looks like our grassroots campaign prevailed. This race proves something powerful. Grassroots campaigns can win elections in South Carolina.
"We won because people believed. We won because everyday South Carolinians organized, prayed, volunteered, gave what they could, made calls, knocked doors, and refused to accept politics as usual.
"I want to thank my wife, my children, and my entire family for their love, sacrifice, prayers, and support. No candidate makes it through a campaign alone, and I am blessed to have a family that stood with me every step of the way.
"I also want to thank my campaign advisor, Brandon Upson, for developing the winning strategy that helped our campaign — and other Black statewide candidates — make history last night. His vision, discipline, and commitment to building real political power for working people in South Carolina helped make this victory possible.
'To my campaign committee members, Craig Khanwell, LaShonda NeSmith Jackson, Miko Pickett, and Kelli Williams: thank you. Your dedication, wisdom, and unwavering support helped carry this campaign across the finish line.
"Now, as we move forward to November, we must unite and expand this historic movement.
"South Carolina is ready for change. More than that, South Carolina urgently needs change. And this election shows that together, we can make it happen.
"In November, we will face Mark Hammond. He is a fierce campaigner. He is well-connected. And we know he is not afraid of mudslinging, name-calling, and dirty tricks. But that brand of politics is exactly what so many South Carolinians are tired of.
"I look forward to a battle of ideas — not a battle of personal attacks.
"This campaign will not be dragged into the mud. We will stay focused on the people. We will stay focused on transparency, accountability, fairness, and service. And we will stay focused on building a Secretary of State’s office that works for all South Carolinians.
"In November, I look forward to making history as the first African American elected to this seat since Reconstruction. But let me be clear: my candidacy is not just for African Americans. It is not just for Democrats. This campaign is for everyone.
"It is for the single mother who quit her job on faith to start a small business, only to learn that the system too often favors big corporations over the little guy.
"It is for the nonprofit leaders who are doing everything right — changing lives, saving lives, and serving communities that too many politicians forget.
"It is for taxpayers who want to know their dollars are being used effectively, responsibly, and transparently.
"And while the Secretary of State does not have direct oversight of our elections, the office still carries influence in the broader health of our democracy. I will use that influence to stand for safe, fair, and transparent processes in redistricting, elections, public records, and every part of our democratic system.
"This race is for the people of South Carolina — from the backwoods to the city, from the streets to the C-suites.
"Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we organize.
"We have shown what is possible when people come together with faith, purpose, and determination. Now we must carry that same spirit into November.
"Together, we will make history. Together, we will bring change. Together, we will build a South Carolina that works for all of us.
"Thank you, South Carolina. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless this great state."