LEXINGTON – District 6 County Council member Verd Odom was recognized on May 20 at the state Republican Party convention in Lexington as the Most Outstanding Local Official.
Odom, chairman of the Marlboro County Republican Party, said he was very surprised since he was up against officials from bigger cities and areas.
“I work hard and I think that’s what showed. I travel any time they need somebody to support a candidate across the state,” he said.
Odom, four other delegates, and one alternative from Marlboro County attended the convention at River Bluff High School in Lexington with 943 of the possible 952 delegates from across the state.
The local delegates were Teresa Helton Hood, Ann O’Neal, Jimmy Chappelear, Connie Floyd, and Jo Anne Hudson. The alternate was Roy Floyd.
Odom said 1,300 people were in attendance with Gov. Henry McMaster, Lt. Gov. Pamela Abbott, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Secretary of State Mark Hammond.
Drew McKissick was re-elected to a fourth term as chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party. He is also the co-chair of the national party.
Odom said former President Donald Trump spoke to the convention via video.
The Marlboro County Republican Party meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The local reorganization meeting, held every two years, was held in February. The county convention, with 41 delegates, was held in April.
Odom noted 2024 would be a huge election year with him and others running for reelection.
“When I got reelected in 2020, I ran as a Republican, and I am the first county official to win Marlboro County since the Civil War,” he said. “I’m the only elected Republican in Marlboro County, but there will probably be more in 2024.”