Nominee to lead South Carolina elections pledges transparency after agency turmoil

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Senate on Tuesday began the confirmation process for Conway Belangia, the nominee to serve as executive director of the State Election Commission, as lawmakers look to restore public confidence following recent turmoil at the agency.

Belangia, a longtime elections administrator from Greenville County, was selected to lead the commission after the former executive director, Howard Knapp, was fired last fall and later charged with embezzlement. Knapp’s deputy director was also dismissed and charged with wiretapping.

Belangia has led Greenville County’s Board of Voter Registration and Elections for nearly 30 years and told senators he is committed to ensuring fair and transparent elections statewide.

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve the great state of South Carolina,” Belangia said during his confirmation hearing.

Belangia said protecting poll workers and strengthening trust in election administration are among his top priorities. He told lawmakers that election workers have increasingly faced public criticism and misinformation, particularly on social media.

“Social media is taking them to task because they’re getting blamed for the woes of the country and they’re getting blamed for things that are not their process,” Belangia said.

Sen. Tameika Devine, a Democrat from Richland County, said the next executive director must prioritize clear communication with voters to rebuild confidence after the arrests of the previous agency leaders.

“As you assume this position, it’s going to be critical how information is communicated to resume the confidence of the constituency,” Devine said.

Belangia also emphasized the need to expand resources for smaller, rural counties that often operate with limited staff and funding. Despite those challenges, he expressed confidence that the state is prepared for the upcoming June 9 primary elections and potential runoffs.

“Come the June primary and the June runoff’s — because we’re going to have them — we’re ready. I believe every county is ready,” Belangia said.

Republican Sen. Jason Elliott of Greenville County voiced support for Belangia’s nomination, citing his experience and leadership during a difficult period for the agency.

“As we all know, the State Election Commission has had a turbulent couple of months,” Elliott said. “I can think of no one better than Mr. Belangia.”

Belangia also addressed the issue of federal involvement in elections, saying he believes state control is essential to maintaining public trust.

“I believe in states’ rights,” Belangia said. “I don’t like the idea of federal involvement in states’ election processes, because most states do it well.”

The Senate committee approved Belangia’s appointment, sending it to the full Senate for consideration. A final vote is expected in the coming weeks, as South Carolina prepares for statewide primaries less than two months away.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.