Beaufort, South Carolina, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The upcoming Republican primary for Beaufort County Sheriff features incumbent Scott Hammonds facing off against challenger Kelly Cox, both aiming to address drug-related crimes and community safety. Hammonds highlights his department’s collaborative efforts in combating drug issues, while Cox brings over ten years of law enforcement experience, emphasizing community trust and crime prevention. As the election date approaches, voters are encouraged to engage with the candidates’ platforms to make informed choices about the future of local law enforcement.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The race for Beaufort County Sheriff is heating up as incumbent Sheriff Scott Hammonds faces a challenge from former lieutenant Kelly Cox. Hammonds, who has served as sheriff since 2022, is seeking re-election against Cox, a current member of the Craven County Sheriff’s Office. Both candidates will compete in the Republican primary scheduled for March 3, 2026.
Scott Hammonds emphasizes his experience and maturity as key traits that make him the right candidate for the position. He highlights his department’s initiatives aimed at combating drug-related crime, which he attributes to collaboration with agencies like the DEA, SBI, and FBI. Hammonds points out that the persistent presence of drug addicts and distributors in the community necessitates ongoing efforts to tackle drug issues to maintain safety and security.
In response, Kelly Cox brings over ten years of law enforcement experience to his candidacy. Before joining the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, he served as a lieutenant with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Cox asserts that reducing drug crime can also negate property crime and animal cruelty, urging the community to consider the intertwined nature of these issues.
Both candidates encourage voters to explore their platforms and make informed choices as the election approaches. They agree that every vote holds significant weight in shaping Beaufort County’s future and leadership.
Other Local Developments
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) recently undertook a significant operation that culminated in the arrest of eight individuals by its Violent Crimes Task Force. Additionally, Justinn Benjamin Moultrie, 30, has been charged by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
In the Town of Port Royal, filing for the upcoming Town Council election is also open, reflecting a broader trend of active civic engagement in the region. Meanwhile, in Beaufort City, the Deputy City Manager J.J. Sauve has announced his resignation, adding to the changes shaping local governance.
Candidate Backgrounds
Scott Hammonds has a solid military background, serving 30 years in military police roles before transitioning to law enforcement in North Carolina from 1992 to 2019. His career in law enforcement has equipped him with a wealth of experience in managing various law enforcement challenges.
On the other hand, Kelly Cox has been proactive in building community trust during his career by managing divisions such as patrol and school resource officers. He has also been instrumental in enhancing community engagement through programs like Community Watch and has coordinated the Beaufort County Crime Stoppers program for eight years, aiming to empower citizens in preventing crime.
The upcoming election is seen as a critical moment for both candidates to present their vision for Beaufort County. With the community encouraged to participate actively in the electoral process, voters have the opportunity to ensure that local leadership reflects their values and priorities.
Conclusion
As the race for Beaufort County Sheriff intensifies, community members are urged to engage with the candidates’ platforms and participate in the electoral process. The law enforcement landscape is evolving, and the decisions made in the upcoming primary could significantly impact local governance and public safety.
FAQ
Who are the candidates for Beaufort County Sheriff?
The candidates are incumbent Sheriff Scott Hammonds and challenger Kelly Cox.
When is the Republican primary for the sheriff’s race?
The primary is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
What are the main issues being addressed in the sheriff’s race?
Both candidates focus on drug-related crime prevention and building trust between law enforcement and the community.
What recent events have occurred in Beaufort County?
The BCSO arrested eight individuals in a recent operation, and filing is open for the Port Royal Town Council election.
What is Kelly Cox’s experience in law enforcement?
Cox has over ten years of experience, previously serving as a lieutenant with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and currently being part of the Craven County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Features of the Sheriff Race
| Feature | Scott Hammonds | Kelly Cox |
|---|---|---|
| Current Role | Incumbent Sheriff | Corporal at Craven County Sheriff’s Office |
| Experience | Served as Sheriff since 2022; 30 years military police | 10+ years in law enforcement; former lieutenant at BCSO |
| Focus Areas | Drug crime prevention, safety | Community trust, proactive policing |
| Community Engagement | Collaborative efforts with DEA, SBI, FBI | Community Watch and Crime Stoppers programs |
| Election Date | March 3, 2026 | March 3, 2026 |
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Additional Resources
- WITN: Republican Candidates Get Early Start Beaufort County Sheriff Primary
- Wikipedia: Beaufort County, South Carolina
- WCTI: Beaufort County Sheriff Scott Hammonds Announces Bid for Re-election
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff election 2026
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Election News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- WNCT: Beaufort County Sheriff Running for Re-election
- Google News: Beaufort County Sheriff
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
