Scott announces another bid for Chatham County's District 7 seat

Orlando Scott, a state Democratic Party committee member and local retail manager for Murphy USA, announced a bid for Chatham County Board of Commissioners District 7, according to a campaign press release. Scott is challenging incumbent Dean Kicklighter, who won the seat over Scott in 2020 with 54% of the vote.

Scott is running on a platform prioritizing the establishment of an emergency facility in West Chatham County, the creation of a county-operated fire department, and accessibility to his constituents, according to the press release. Scott is set to have a campaign kick-off event on March 8 at the Best Western Premier in Pooler.

"My decision to run for Chatham County Commissioner is a testament to my unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community," Scott said in the press release. "I've witnessed firsthand the disparities in representation, particularly in the underserved Berwick community, and I'm determined to be the proactive voice that advocates for every resident of District 7."

Other priorities for Scott's campaign include comprehensive infrastructure development to tackle traffic congestion and enhancing workforce development. Scott is a Savannah native who graduated from Savannah High School and Savannah State University. He is also an elder and Men's Ministry Leader at Overcoming by Faith Ministries.

The 2020 race between Scott and Kicklighter was the second-closest contest for a county commission seat, trailing only the chairman's race as most competitive. This year's primary will take place on May 21, and the general election takes place on Nov. 5.