Seal of Approval
Dozens of people have already endorsed Lou Parris for the Spartanburg County Council District 2 seat. GO LOU!
About Lou
Lou Parris is retired from the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.
During his 45-year career in the newspaper business, his coverage included local and state government and investigative journalism. Most of us also remember his popular Stroller Cookbooks.
During the last 25 years of that career, Lou wrote The Stroller column. Through that column, he was able to fulfill many needs of the community just by listening and sharing others' ideas, opinions and desires.
Through various Stroller events attended by thousands of his readers, tens of thousands of dollars derived from those events made it possible to put food on the tables of some of our most disadvantaged residents right here in our community.
Lou has a passion for helping others. He still has some steam left in him, and he would like to continue his life-improving efforts as your next Spartanburg County Council District 2 representative.
A vote for Lou is a voice for you!
Key Campaign Issues
Transparency
We have to end the secrecy that current County Council members often use to hide their work.
Better Access
We need better access to our County Council members who currently dodge public input.
Full Audit
A deep audit of the county's budget is past due and should be made public.
Putting Spartanburg Residents First
We must put Spartanburg County residents, instead of the deep pockets, back into the driver's seat of County Council.
Growth Management
It is never too late to have a serious discussion on growth management.
Upcoming Events
Campaign Kickoff
March 19, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Boiling Springs Community Building
182 Rainbow Lake Road
Campaign Kickoff
March 21, 2026
8:30 a.m.
John's Cafe
204 S. Florida Ave.
Chesnee
Primary Election
June 9, 2026
Election
Coming Soon
November 3, 2026
Voter Information
Absentee Ballots and Early Voting
Registered voters who will not be able to vote on Primary Election Day are encouraged to request an absentee ballot as soon as possible from the Spartanburg County Voter Registration Office. (864-596-2549).
The application must be returned no later than May 29 at 5 p.m. The sooner you apply, the sooner your ballot will be mailed to you.
There is no need to wait. Now is the time to request an application.
Voters may want to consider Early Voting in order to avoid any long lines at the polls.
Early voting will begin May 26 and end June 5.
Early voting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.
Locations for early voting have not been approved at this time, but typically they include satellite libraries and at the Voter Registration Office in the Spartanburg County Administration Building (rear entrance).
When Early Voting locations are approved for the upcoming primary election, the list will be published here.
More information on Absentee Ballots can be found here: Absentee Voting - SC Votes - South Carolina Election Commission
More information on Early Voting can be found here: Early Voting - SC Votes - South Carolina Election Commission
Find My Polling Place
Don’t wait until Election Day to find out where to go. Double-check your designated polling place now by clicking the link below to ensure a smooth voting experience.
Update Your Voter Registration Information
Make sure your voter registration information is accurate before Election Day. If you’ve moved, changed your name, or need to update any details, use the link below to review and update your voter registration.
Update Your Voter Registration Information - SC Votes - South Carolina Election Commission
How To Register To Vote
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard and shape the future of your community. Make sure you’re ready to participate—click the link below to register online or find instructions for mailing in your registration or registering in person.
Register to Vote - SC Votes - South Carolina Election Commission
Endorsements
I am endorsing Lou Parris for County Council. I have known Lou and his family for many years., as they were banking customers of mine. I have found him to be a smart guy with common sense, which he will bring to County Council. I encourage voters of District 2 to vote for Lou. You will be blessed to have him serving you!
Terry Phillips
As a lifelong resident of Spartanburg County, I fully endorse Lou Parris for Spartanburg County Council. I've known Lou since our early school years and his many years with the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. I know Lou to be a fair, honest, and reputable person, who would be a tremendous representative for us on the County Council.
Ronnie Putnam
Retired Parts Director
Spartanburg CDJR
Folks, I am privileged to know Lou from way back when he was "The Stroller" in the daily paper. Lou has always been a man of level-headed thinking and good common logic. I cannot think of a better addition to the County Council than Lou. Our various county offices seem to create difficulty and obstacles when someone presents a plan to start a business. The sign permit office alone will make you furious. As you attempt to build anything in this county, the fury only gets worse. Lou will help break the chaos and frustration and make Spartanburg County a welcoming and encouraging place to open a business. Please vote for Lou. He is a great choice to make council more people friendly.
Sherman Swofford
Skyvision Signs
I've known Lou for more than 30 years. He has always been someone who will tell you the truth. Leave him a message and he calls you back. He will make a GREAT member on the County Council.
David Blanton
TOP GUN SHOOTING
I have known Lou for many years. He is one of the leading citizens of Spartanburg County. I heartily endorse Lou for the Spartanburg County Council District 2 seat. I have no doubt he will serve the citizens of our county in a very upstanding and honest way.
Tim Hammond
Members of our Spartanburg County Council should be deeply rooted in and concerned about all aspects of our communities. Lower-income neighborhoods need attention and support as do the more affluent areas. Citizens need to be listened to and respected for their ideas about making a better Spartanburg for all of us. What do we want from our County Council? Honesty? Integrity? Easy accessibility? I believe there is one person who is all of these things. I believe there is one person the majority of us have known for years and know his commitment to and love for Spartanburg County. I believe Lou Parris is exactly the kind of person we need working for all of us to keep our children, families, land, air, and water safe from disinformation and disingenuous industries. I am endorsing Lou Parris for County Council because I believe he is the right person for this time to best serve all of us. He won't be distracted by billionaires flashing big bucks to buy his votes. Lou Parris is a person of integrity and upstanding moral character. I have no doubt he will get the job done for everyone.
Kim Adams Nelson
Founder of Daisy Cakes
I have had the privilege of knowing Lou Parris since high school. We graduated together in 1971. I kept up with him as he was The Stroller for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. It was an excellent read. Lou's character and integrity is the same now as it was in high school. He is an outstanding gentleman and I fully support him in his pursuit for the seat on County Council.
Bill Dickerson
I have known Lou Parris for more than 40 years. He is not a politician. He doesn't care about partisanship, but he has great passion for his community. Lou spent his career gathering local news, working to make sure the people of Spartanburg County had the information they needed. He will demand transparency. A County Council that includes Lou would not engage in secret deals and discussions. Lou would be focused on the needs of his neighbors and would make his decisions based on what he believes Spartanburg County needs.
Mike Smith - former Herald-Journal executive editor
The right person for the right job at the right time. My longtime friend Lou Parris has announced he will seek the Republican nomination for Spartanburg County Council District 2 this year. I don't live in his district, but I've lived in Spartanburg County for nearly 45 years. In my opinion, it's time to reign in the development explosion in this county before everything is paved over and roads become practically impassable. Lou promises to use a common sense approach to every issue he would face on council. His litmus test would be "is it good for the people of Spartanburg County and their future." He's not a politician. He cares about our community and state, and he promises to be honest, straightforward, respectful to citizens, and transparent. I trust him. If I lived in his district, I'd sure vote for him. Please take time to find out more about Lou and his vision for Spartanburg County.
Tom Crabtree
I have known Lou for years. He is one strong man of integrity and commitment for the betterment of our community.
Tom Russell
I have known Lou for half a century. We have enjoyed a close professional and personal relationship. Lou is well-known for his common sense values and sound judgement. Lou is a thinker and a doer. He is a listener, as we all saw in his daily work as The Stroller columnist. Lou navigates daily life ethically. Endorsing Lou as our next Spartanburg County Councilman representing District 2 is an easy decision. Lou will put aside partisan politics and do what is best for his Upstate community.
Don "Blimpy" Watson
I will be supporting Lou Parris for County Council, District 2. We couldn't have a finer man for the job. He has done so much for the surrounding areas. He and I teamed together for several fundraisers for the Soup Kitchen, Mobile Meals, plus several others. He was always the main man for so many events. He will give us the help we need for our district. God knows no one else has dealt with the problems that we are facing. So please vote for Lou. You won't be sorry. Go, Lou!
Marty Dixon
Lou is married to one of my best childhood friends. He is a talented, intelligent, compassionate man and a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Lou is levelheaded and, of course, funny as heck. He would be an excellent choice for County Council.
Debbie Galloway
My family and I are supporting and voting for Lou Parris. We are so proud of this guy. I've heard so many good things.
Gail Gosnell
Here at James E. Cooley Farms and Strawberry Hill USA, we know Lou Parris as a true friend of farming -- not just our farm but farming all across Spartanburg County. We often credit Lou for our success in both farming and agritourism. But on a personal note, I know Lou as a man of his word and someone who is compassionate about helping others. Lou knows how to energize people and get good results. We saw that with his many community events, including those that took place here at our farm. Thousands of people attended his events, and the outcome always bettered the lives of families right here in our community. Lou will take that energy with him as District 2's next representative on County Council. I have no doubt that outcomes will be positive.
James Cooley
I am endorsing Lou Parris for a seat on Spartanburg County Council. I've known Lou since early childhood, and I have always known him to be a kind, hard-working man of integrity. Lou knows Spartanburg and knows people's needs. There would be nobody better for Spartanburg County than Lou Parris.
Donnie Putnam
Spartanburg County Council needs Lou Parris! Lou will bring common sense, knowledge, and an enduring love for Spartanburg to his role. Vote Lou for a better tomorrow.
Kevin Drake
CEO of Upward Sports
To all who live in Spartanburg County District 2, the Boiling Springs-Chesnee area, our Spartanburg County Council needs a massive overhaul. Perception is a word that carries a lot of weight. The perception of our current County Council from voters is that they are arrogant, ill-informed, and don't really have your interests first and foremost. They are definitely not transparent in business that affects the people. They use code words for projects, apparently hoping the public doesn't find out. They are quick to use the fee-in-lieu-of-taxes card to acquire businesses. They are selling the people out. They would sell their own mothers for a buck. It is time to clean house. Lou Parris is running against the current representative, Jack Mabry, for the District 2 seat. Lou is well-known and respected all over the Upstate. He was The Stroller, which was a well-known information column at the former Herald-Journal. Being a journalist, his decisions are factual, well-balanced, and researched. He is quick thinking on his feet. Lou is independent and definitely not a go-with-the-crowd parrot. If he doesn't know an answer to a question, he knows who to call. He can't be bought or persuaded to change the facts. He would eliminate these behind-closed-doors deals. The transparency would be crystal clear. Your district is not being represented at the level it should be, so a change for the better is needed. I encourage you to vote for Lou Parris in District 2 in the upcoming June primary.
Mike Bonner
NASCAR Fans, Let's put Lou Parris in the winner's circle for the Spartanburg County Council District 2 position. Go Lou!!
Larry, Ricky and Eddie Pearson, sons of NASCAR Hall of Fame's David Pearson, The Silver Fox, the greatest driver in NASCAR history.
I've known Lou Parris for a long time. I know him to be very honest. My vote goes to Lou.
Ronnie Hart
Perhaps most importantly, Lou will be a fighter for transparency. In an era where media watchdogs have been reduced to rubble, that's crucial.
Bob Dalton
I am proud to wholeheartedly endorse my dear friend, Lou Parris, as he runs for County Council here in Spartanburg. As a lifelong resident of Spartanburg County, he understands our community, our values, and the needs of the families who call this place home. He is a devoted Christian whose strong morals guide both his personal life and his leadership. His integrity, commitment to service, and deep roots in our county make him the kind of leader we can trust to represent us well.
Kathi Gibbs Ridgeway
I am with Lou, all the way. We need someone who thinks like we do. Heck, we just need someone who thinks.
Timothy Jones
Lou Parris has been a sensitive reader of the Spartanburg culture throughout his career. He has documented the mood of our citizens and thoughtfully responded to our concerns throughout his 45 years of work as a journalist. He knows us. He cares about us. He knows that we're concerned about the unfettered explosive growth of the county. While some growth is good, it must be channeled in ways that retain our cultural heritage. Lou knows that. If we're so popular as a destination for new companies, we can afford to be picky about in-migration. Lou Parris will filter out those things we don't want and encourage growth that fits in with the garden spot that is Spartanburg. I wholeheartedly support having someone who knows us so well on our County Council. I wholeheartedly support Lou Parris.
Ingo Angermeier, PhD
As a lifelong resident of Spartanburg County, I am definitely tired of the overdevelopment of our county. I have known Lou casually for many years, and you could not ask for a friendlier person who is so easily approachable. I unfortunately do not reside in Lou's district, but I own property in most of the council districts. For many years, I have been very disappointed in Spartanburg County and the County Council. We could not ask for a better candidate for council. Lou is a straightforward person wo uses a common-sense approach to topics at hand.
Spencer Evans
Thank you, Lou, for already working to get things done for Boiling Springs. I messaged Lou that Wesley Court had been torn up for months between the new Taco Bell and future Caribou Coffee. Immediately Lou contacted Spartanburg Water System, and they repaired the road.
Gloria L. Bradley
Lou and his wife are upstanding members of our community! Lou has seen room for improvement along our public roads. He noticed reckless behavior on a traffic circle close by and went through the proper government channels to address this problem. As a result, we have seen a massive improvement in motorist behavior along that stretch of road. He has proven himself to be safety and community focused outside of a government office! Imagine how much more he will be able to accomplish as a member of the County Council.
Tyler Whalen
Growing up, Lou's daughter was my best friend. Their home was a safe place. Did you know that providing a safe, stable environment can mitigate the damages of adverse childhood events? Stephanie tried to keep me out of trouble, but I let her down a lot. lol. The Parris family will always have my greatest respect and gratitude for being there for me. Salt of the earth, caring, great, respectable people. The people of Spartanburg County would be lucky to have him serve on County Council.
Shannon Chastain
Lou has my vote for County Council! In an effort to beautify the traffic circle in our neighborhood here on Peachtree Road, Lou has gone above and beyond. He led the neighborhood effort to accomplish this task. He has given vegetables to the community, from his garden. He and his wife have really been a blessing in numerous ways, which is much appreciated. Thank you for all you do for our family and the community.
Tonja Whalen
Lou Parris knows this community, past and present, like few others. His life has exhibited a giving and caring nature second to none by helping others in all walks of life, especially those less fortunate. I worked with him and witnessed first-hand his efforts for the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen and Goodfellows. He works in harmony with everyone and does not stop until the job is complete. Now, he is willing to help again. I can think of no one else more capable, dependable, fair and kind than Lou. All of us will be better off with him on our County Council, District 2. Vote for Lou.
Randi A. Berry
Former Spartanburg Soup Kitchen Chair and Goodfellows volunteer and supporter
I am proud to support my longtime friend, Lou Parris, in his campaign for County Council. I have known Lou for more than 50 years, both personally and professionally, and during that time I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the integrity, dedication and work ethic he brings to everything he does. As an award-winning journalist, Lou built a reputation for asking the tough questions, seeking the truth, holding leaders accountable and was an advocate for the community. Those same qualities — honesty, transparency and a deep commitment to serving the public — are exactly what we need in our county government. I can say without hesitation that Lou is someone you can trust to represent the best interests of our community.
Jim Fair
I've known Lou Parris a long time, and I will be voting for him to represent our district on County Council in District 2. I own a business and live in District 2. We need a man like Lou looking after our best interests. Vote for Lou.
David Allen
Allen and Associates Real Estate
I was excited when I heard my longtime friend and former co-worker, Lou Parris, is running for Spartanburg County Council District 2. I have lived in Boiling Springs for 30 years and have seen a lot of growth. With the added growth in Boiling Springs and Spartanburg County, we have a lot of new challenges. Lou is already involved in the community and will listen to the concerns of the citizens. Is time for fresh ideas and someone who will look out for the best interest of Spartanburg County taxpayers.
Steven Bradley
Lou Parris gave me some of the best years of my life. Because of his being in charge of sponsoring the Goodfellows Christmas food drive for the Herald, I was able to volunteer to help bag the food. For years, the face of my granddaughter was used in ads. I was able to bring many Girl Scout troops to volunteer, along with church you groups. I also got the Community Emergency Response Team involved, and they never missed a season. So many seasons where I knew I had a home with a ton of folks giving their time to make some good meals happen for those who might not have been able to otherwise. Those people became family for me. I watched Lou as he raised money to make things happen, and he worked his hiney off to make things better for a lot of people. I am not in his district, but wish I were because he would be such a breath of fresh air to this council. He only wants a council that will go back to serving the people.
Teresa Foster
I've known Lou for many years as co-workers during our Herald-Journal days and as a friend, and you won't find anyone who cares more for this community. He's always been committed to helping those in need through organizations like Goodfellows and by pointing folks in the right direction. Lou knows what's going on in his community, works hard and gets things done, and isn't afraid to hold people and organizations accountable when they're not doing the right thing. Even at the newspaper, when we needed to know how to get help for someone, find out more about what was really going on, or how to right a wrong, the answer was always "ask Lou." My family and I are going to vote for Lou and encourage you to do the same!
Mary Caldwell
Stand with Lou
We would greatly appreciate any time or monetary donations you can offer. Your support helps us continue our work and make a difference in the community.
Campaign donations will be accepted through the Donate button or by check, payable to Lou Parris for Spartanburg County Council. Checks should be mailed to the following address: P.O. Box 160393, Boiling Springs, SC 29316.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
