Finney runs for Third Circuit Solicitor

Ernest “Chip” Finney III has announced his candidacy for Solicitor for the Third Judicial Circuit primary to be held June 8.

The Third Circuit covers Sumter, Clarendon, Lee and Williamsburg counties.

Finney, 53, is running for the position currently held by Kelly Jackson, who has announced that he will not be running for re-election this year.

Finney is a 1973 graduate of Sumter High School. He earned his B.A. from Wofford in 1977, and his law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1980.

Finney returned home to Sumter to practice in the law firm founded by his father, Ernest A. Finney Jr. Since 1981, Finney has represented clients in both state and federal courts throughout South Carolina.

He has worked as a public defender and is a member of S.C. Bar Association. He has served as president of the S.C. Black Lawyers Association, president of the S.C. Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, president of the Goodfellows Club of Sumter and has been a volunteer instructor for the First Tee Program of Sumter.

Finney had served as a faculty speaker on various legal seminars and practiced at every level of the court system from Magistrate Court hearings to arguing appeals before the S.C. Supreme Court.

In 2004, Finney was selected as a municipal court judge for the city of Columbia and has served continuously since that date.

“We have very hard working and dedicated court officers who honor our community with their service,” Finney said. “Our region is facing a serious crime crisis and an over-crowded court docket. We need a coordinated effort between law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office to improve the process so that criminals will be tried quickly to ensure our schools and streets are safe again.”

Finney said he believes that his 28 years of courtroom experience make him the ideal candidate for the Solicitor’s position.

“Having a new solicitor for the first time in 12 years means we need a person with a combination of leadership, trial skills and dedication to improving the community,” he said. “I am excited to offer myself for this important position. As a trial lawyer, the owner of a small business and a municipal court judge, I feel I have a clear perspective of how things work and where we can make improvements to our judicial system.

Finney is married to the former Tammy Harper and together they have four children.

The primary will be held on June 8. Finney faces a primary challenge from Assistant Solicitor E.B. “Trey” McLeod. A Republican candidate, Theophilus “Tod” Williams IV has filed to run in that party’s primary. Assistant Solicitor Catherine Fant had previously announced her intention to run, but did not file. She intends to run as an independent candidate, which will place her on the November ballot.