EASLEY — Republican Rick Tate filed paperwork on March 18 to run for the SC House District 5 seat that includes Easley and parts of Liberty, Dacusville and Powdersville. Rep Neal Collins, also a Republican, is the incumbent.

Both Collins and Tate vied for the seat in 2014 along with Harley Staton after longtime District 5 Rep. Phil Owens announced he would not be seeking reelection. Staton garnered just 9 percent of the vote in the primary, Tate snagged 27.5 percent. Collins walked away with over 63 percent of ballots cast.

Following his failed bid for the 2014 election, Tate was elected first vice chairman of the Pickens County Republican Party the following year.

Staff Report