Lexington County Council, District 7 Choose 1
Election Information:The Statewide Democratic and Republican Primary Elections will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2026. You may vote in either the Republican or the Democratic primary. Your address indicates you live in the district for this race.EARLY VOTING: If you prefer to vote prior to June 9, 2026, you can vote during a two-week early voting period Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, June 5. Early voting centers are open Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check the Lexington County Voter Registration and Elections website Registration and Elections | County of Lexington or SCVOTES.gov for early voting locations.ABSENTEE VOTING: You may be eligible to vote absentee by mail. For details on eligibility and how to submit your request, see this SC Election Commission Voting Absentee page: https://www.scvotes.gov/absentee-voting.Position Description:Lexington County Council is composed of nine members, one from each district, elected to 4-year terms. As the governing body of the county, the Council enacts laws by ordinance and may also adopt resolutions. The Council hires the county administrator, sets budgets, levies taxes, approves contracts, agreements and bids, and appoints board and committee members.
Biographical Information
Campaign Address
210 Pilgrim Church Rd Lexington, SC 29072
Lexington, SC 29072
Lexington, SC 29072
Campaign Phone
803-269-9282
Campaign Email
team@votebethcarrigg.com
Campaign Website
http://www.votebethcarrigg.com
Education
Midlands Tech ~ Paralegal Studies; University of S.C. BA Interdisciplinary Studies
Qualifications
Served at the Publicly elected Clerk of Court for Lexington County for 3 terms and have served as the current Lexington County Council Member for District 7 for two terms. In my 8 years on County Council; I have been elected by my piers to serve as Vice Chair twice as well as County Council Chairman twice. I currently serve as the body Parliamentarian, as well as Chairman of Economic Development and Chairman of the Justice Committee.
1. What partnerships would you support to improve public safety in the county?
We are always continuing to evaluate our services and ways that we can improve. Any partnership that can bring value, we would strongly consider.
2. What tools would you use to guide planned development in the county?
Infrastructure is key to any development; but particularly residential. Lexington County Council implemented concurrency in 2022 to make sure we could provide adequate services for citizens and infrastructure was in place before development approvals.
School Capacity
First Responders/911
Water & Sewer Capacity
Waste Management
Public Works
All must be in place with adequate capacity prior to any new development approvals can be issued. We believe concurrency, alongside our comprehensive plan is the best approach to guide development in Lexington County. Zoning is key and the foundation for any and all proposed development.
3. What steps will you take to ensure free and fair elections in the county?
The election commission is in control of elections. However, Lexington will partner at every level upon request.
4. What will you advocate for in the county's transportation improvement plans?
Impact fees for roads and an extended 7 year window for expenditures.
5. What are your priorities for action?
Positive working environment.
Responsible/Concurrency guided development.
Recruiting First Responders
Encourage Legislation to reduce property tax ratio; Pass impact fees legislation to include roads and expenditure window.
Work with legislators to work on mutual annexation laws.
Biographical Information
Campaign Address
207 Shareditch Rd Columbia, SC 29210
Columbia, SC 29210
Columbia, SC 29210
Campaign Phone
803-238-3022
Campaign Email
jayguerry803@gmail.com
Campaign Website
http://Votejasonguerry.com
Qualifications
I have worked and lived in this community for 53 years. I am a small business owner
1. What partnerships would you support to improve public safety in the county?
Public safety isn’t just about adding more officers—it’s about working smarter together. I’ll strengthen partnerships between our sheriff’s department, local police, schools, and community organizations so we prevent crime before it happens. That means supporting school resource officers, expanding neighborhood policing, and working with mental health professionals so the right response shows up every time. I also want stronger coordination with state and federal agencies to go after serious crime. The bottom line is this: safer communities come from trust, preparation, and teamwork—and that’s exactly what I’ll deliver.
2. What tools would you use to guide planned development in the county?
Growth isn’t the problem—poor planning is. To guide development the right way, I’ll use the tools counties already have but need to apply better. That starts with a strong comprehensive plan so we know where we’re going. I support smart zoning and land-use planning to direct growth where infrastructure can handle it. I also believe in coordinating infrastructure first roads, drainage, and utilities, “when possible” so we’re not playing catch up. And finally, I’ll push for transparent approvals and accountability so developers and residents both know what to expect. That’s how you manage growth responsibly and protect our quality of life.
3. What steps will you take to ensure free and fair elections in the county?
Free and fair elections come down to trust, transparency, and consistency. I’ll support strong voter ID laws and accurate voter rolls so every legal vote counts. I want well trained poll workers and secure equipment with routine testing and audits so people know the system is reliable. We also need transparency clear processes, observers from both parties, and timely reporting of results. At the same time, I’ll make sure voting is accessible, with adequate polling locations and early voting options so no one is left out. The goal is simple: every eligible voter can vote, every legal vote is counted, and the public has confidence in the outcome.
4. What will you advocate for in the county's transportation improvement plans?
Transportation starts with planning ahead, not catching up. I’ll advocate for prioritizing road improvements in our highest congestion areas, fixing bottlenecks, and improving key corridors people rely on every day. We need to coordinate new development with infrastructure so roads, drainage, and traffic flow are addressed before growth hits. I also support better signal timing, intersection upgrades, and safer turn lanes to improve flow without always widening roads. And we should leverage state and federal funding so local taxpayers aren’t carrying the full burden. The goal is simple: safer roads, less congestion, and a system that keeps up with our county’s growth.
5. What are your priorities for action?
My priorities are simple and focused on what matters most to families in this county. First, responsible growth making sure development is planned and infrastructure keeps up so we don’t overload our roads and schools. Second, improving transportation by reducing congestion and fixing problem areas people deal with every day. Third, public safety supporting law enforcement and building partnerships that keep our communities safe. And fourth, fiscal responsibility making sure we’re spending taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently. At the end of the day, it’s about planning for the future while protecting the quality of life we all value.