Sheriff Leon Lott has a primary challenger for 2016

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - For the first time in many years, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has a primary challenger for the sheriff's seat he has held for almost 20 years.

Retired SLED agent and former University of South Carolina football player James Flowers says he intends to challenge the sheriff for the Democratic nomination for sheriff in 2016.

In a statement released by Flowers, he says the hallmarks of his campaign will be honesty, transparency, and integrity while saying he wants to be a sheriff that will "bring law enforcement and the community together."

"I want to improve the relationship between the police and the people they protect and serve," Flowers said in his statement. "I will ensure citizens feel safe as they live, work, and raise a family anywhere in Richland County. People want safer streets, schools, and neighborhoods and they expect law enforcement officers to provide that safe environment. I understand that expectation and I want to be a transformative leader for Richland County and the Sheriff's Department."

Lott was first elected to the sheriff's seat in 1996.

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