The race for this Beaufort County election heats up as Bluffton’s Mark Lawson jumps in

A second Bluffton Republican says he will run for the Beaufort County Council seat soon to be vacated by Roberts “Tabor” Vaux Jr.

And Vaux is endorsing this candidate, Mark Lawson, according to news release from the Lawson campaign.

Lawson’s announcement, sent via email by his campaign manager, John Acker, comes on the heels of Mike Raymond’s on Monday. Raymond is also running for Vaux’s District 9 seat, which represents Bluffton, Pritchardville and Daufuskie Island. They and others, potentially, who might still enter the race will square off in June’s Republican primary ahead of November elections.

In addition to being endorsed by Vaux, Lawson has endorsements from S.C. Rep. Weston Newton (R-District 120), S.C. Rep. Bill Herbkersman (R-District 118), and Bluffton Mayor Pro-Tempore Larry Toomer, according to the release.

Lawson is currently sales and marketing director at BELFOR Property Restoration, where he’s worked since 2013. He’s also been a real-estate broker and small business owner.

Lawson, his wife Joy and their family moved to Beaufort County in 1990. He’s served as a board member and president of Bluffton Youth Sports during his 12 years of involvement with the organization.

He’s a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, where he earned his degree in business administration.

Vaux is the second would-be Republican incumbent who’s decided not to run.

Last month, District 8 (Hilton Head Island/Bluffton) councilman Rick Caporale said he would not seek re-election. Greater Bluffton Republican Club treasurer Chris Hervochon announced his candidacy for the seat at about the same time.

“Mr. Lawson is pleased to have the opportunity to follow Tabor Vaux, and will work closely with him to make sure all Beaufort County Residents are represented fairly and with dignity,” the release said.

Lawson ran against Vaux in 2012 for the District 9 seat then vacated by Newton, who moved on to the Statehouse.

This story was originally published February 27, 2018 at 10:08 AM with the headline "The race for this Beaufort County election heats up as Bluffton’s Mark Lawson jumps in."