Wellons Wins Horry County Board of Education chair election, defeating Ricketts

June 10, 2026 - 09:14

Melanie Wellons secured a victory in the Horry County Board of Education chair election, defeating opponent Darrell Ricketts in the Republican primary held on June 9, 2026. The race drew significant attention from local voters, with education policy and school funding emerging as central issues throughout the campaign.

Wellons campaigned on a platform of increasing teacher pay, improving school safety measures, and expanding vocational training programs across the district. She emphasized the need for transparent budgeting and stronger communication between the board and the community. Her opponent, Ricketts, focused on parental rights and reducing administrative overhead, but ultimately could not overcome Wellons' strong turnout in key precincts.

With no Democratic challenger on the general election ballot, Wellons is expected to assume the chair position following the certification of results. She will take over leadership of a board that oversees more than 45,000 students across Horry County. Wellons has pledged to work collaboratively with board members and district administrators to address overcrowding in several schools and to finalize a long-term facilities plan. Her win marks a shift in the board's direction, as she replaces the outgoing chair who did not seek reelection.