Richland County Auditor Paul Brawley has announced he will not seek re-election for a sixth term, according to a statement released by the county.
Brawley, who was first elected in 2006, was the first African American elected to one of Richland County’s seven countywide offices. While he will not file for re-election when the candidate filing period opens in March, he will complete his current term, which runs through June 30, 2027. In South Carolina, county auditors and treasurers begin their terms on July 1, the start of the fiscal year following an election.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Richland County as their County Auditor,” Brawley said, citing efforts to make the office more transparent and accessible to taxpayers while emphasizing customer service.
During his time in office, Brawley is credited with modernizing the Auditor’s Office through updated technology, revising county tax bills to better show where tax dollars are allocated among county agencies, and implementing systems that allowed staff to continue assisting taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. County officials also noted his regular engagement with residents through neighborhood and community meetings focused on property tax education and updates.
Brawley has served in public service for 38 years at the state and local levels and said he plans to remain active in the community after leaving office.
