Three candidates are running for the SC House District 57 seat. Two of the candidates will be on the SC House District 57 ballot in the Democratic Primary on June 11. Cynthia Ford will be running against incumbent Frank “Lucas” Atkinson.
Ford
Cynthia O. Ford
Candidate for House District 57 (Democrat)
Political newcomer, Cynthia Ford, finds fulfillment in service and the success of others. The Fork native and Mullins resident has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology, as well as associate’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Practical Nursing. She was a juvenile probation officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice and worked her way up to County Director. She enrolled in the Air Force Reserves in 2010 then switched to the Air National Guard in 2015, where she continues to serve. In 2023, she left the DOJJ to pursue writing and a career in the arts.
Ford is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Women in Philanthropy, and Marion County Democratic Party. She attends Bethel Word Ministries.
She is running for office to help communities move forward to greater success.
“I want to help implement a positive shift in economic advancement in Williamsburg County,” she says.
A few of her top issues are establishing measures to promote safer communities and schools, and creating better health outcomes through more opportunities for farmers and the availability of more fresh local foods. She also would like to see momentum in economic growth by conducting a true needs assessment and creating avenues of growth based on what the community truly needs.
Atkinson
Frank “Lucas” Atkinson
Incumbent for House District 57 (Democrat)
Lucas Atkinson stepped up to run for office in 2016 when the former SC House Representative retired. He is now running for his fifth term in the SC House of Representatives. Atkinson serves on the Agriculture and Rules Committee where he champions the causes of farmers.
Atkinson is a lifelong resident of Marion and a graduate of Marion High School. His mother is a retired school teacher and his father is the Probate Judge for Marion County. After graduating from Clemson University, Atkinson returned home and worked on the senate campaign of his good friend Senator Kent Williams. That experience catapulted him into politics.
Some of the highlights of his service so far include helping to pass the gas tax, which he says is one of the most crucial pieces of legislation passed since he has been in Columbia. The bill enabled improvements to roads and infrastructure. He has also worked to improve public education in his district and across the state.
“One of the most important things I can do is bring money back to our area to better serve my constituents and help our community,” he says. He obtained $200,000 for the Town of Hemingway for to update their public safety equipment, and $250,000 to improve parks and recreation facilities at COSS Center (Stuckey), Nesmith/Morrisville Park, and Chavis One Stop Recreation Complex. “I'm going to keep fighting for Williamsburg County to make sure we get our fair share,” he says.
Atkinson is a member of Marion Baptist Church and the Marion and Mullins Chapters of the Chamber of Commerce.
Atkinson is running again because making an impact on people’s everyday lives, whether it is passing legislation or just working through an issue with a constituent, motivates him. “I’ve been honored to serve over the last couple of years and have enjoyed bringing my hands-on style of public service to Williamsburg County.”
Coleridge
Kevin Taylor Coleridge
State House District 57 (Republican)
Kevin Coleridge is running for office to address the needs of the people of District 57. He hopes to focus on infrastructure, education and government accountability.
“The well-being of all of the citizens I seek to represent is of paramount importance to me. Helping to deliver better economic opportunities and improvements to our healthcare and educational facilities will greatly benefit all our citizens,” he says.
Coleridge grew up in Wall, New Jersey. He served in the US Army, attended George Washington University, and went on to pursue a career in operations and technology. Coleridge has been an IT Consultant for more than 23 years.
Coleridge is unopposed in the June 11 Republican Primary and will face the winner of the Atkinson-Ford race in the November general election.
The South Carolina House of Representatives consists of 124 legislators who are elected every two years. The current House of Representatives is made up of 88 Republicans and 36 Democrats. The General Assembly's annual session runs the second Tuesday in January through the second Thursday in May. The District 57 Seat in the South Carolina House of Representatives represents parts of Marion, Williamsburg, and Horry counties.
