Statement from Demetrius Chatman

In just a few short days, the people of Winnsboro will head to the polls to elect their next mayor. And let me tell you—our community is fired up and ready to move forward.

I want to take a moment to address recent comments made about this race—not with negativity, but with facts. Because what I know, and what so many of you know, is that progress in our community hasn’t happened by accident. It’s taken hard work, unity, and a commitment to building something better—together.

My campaign is rooted in the idea of being A Leader for Progressive Change. Recently, it was said that I’m not “qualified” to serve as mayor. Let me be clear: I am deeply qualified to represent our town. I’ve spent the past 18 years in public service, working in higher education to help schools, students, and small businesses succeed. I’ve led and secured grants that brought new resources to our communities. I’ve built partnerships, solved problems, and stood up for what’s right.

But qualifications don’t just come from resumes—they come from relationships. My experience comes from knocking on doors, worshipping side-by-side with neighbors, and showing up time and time again to listen, to learn, and to serve. When I first ran for office, I did it because the community called me to lead—and that hasn’t changed. A true leader doesn’t stand above the people. A true leader stands with the people.

I also want to be transparent about what the role of mayor truly is. In Winnsboro, the mayor is one voice on a five-member town council. We do not govern alone. No single person holds all the power—our structure requires collaboration and consensus. What I can promise you is this: I will hold myself accountable. I will hold our council members accountable. I will hold our town manager accountable. Because accountability is what our residents deserve—and it’s one of the most important responsibilities of a mayor.

Over the years, I’ve held leadership accountable while also building relationships across our region to bring funding opportunities to our town. There’s still so much work ahead of us. We must collaborate with Fairfield County to expand our economic footprint. We must continue the momentum of downtown revitalization. And we must make sure that as we grow, we are doing so in a way that supports small businesses—the heart of any thriving community.

But policy matters too. We have to ensure our ordinances and government structures aren’t just designed for a future we hope to see, but for the urgent needs we face today.

So as you prepare to cast your vote, ask yourself this: After 20 years and two mayors, are we truly moving forward—or are we watching everything around us grow while we stay the same?

I believe in our future, and I believe in the power of this moment. I believe we can break the cycle of “business as usual” and build something stronger, something fairer, and something that works for everyone.

I’ll leave you with this: While knocking on doors recently, I spoke with a retired teacher—someone who once taught me at Fairfield Central High School. At the end of our conversation, she simply said, “Thank you.”

So to every resident of Winnsboro, I say—thank you.
Thank you for allowing me to run.
Thank you for every conversation over the years.
Thank you for opening your doors and your hearts.
Thank you for believing in a better Winnsboro.
And most of all—thank you for being part of this community.

Let’s keep moving forward, together.

—Demetrius Chatman
Mayor Pro Tem & Finance Committee Chair
Candidate for Mayor, Town of Winnsboro