The South Carolina House of Representatives District 41 primary concluded Tuesday night without one candidate emerging with the 50 percent needed to win the race.

Instead, District 41, which consists of Fairfield county and part of Chester county, will require a secondary primary runoff election. That election will take place Tuesday, June 22.

Incumbent Boyd Brown received 48 percent of the votes with 1,860. Fairfield County Council Member Kamau Marcharia received 1,516 votes, which was 39 percent. Political newcomer Kenneth Belton had 513 votes equaling 13 percent.

The South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 7 - Elections, Chapter 13, Section 7-13-50, Second and other primaries states: A second primary, when necessary, must be held two weeks after the first and is subject to the rules governing the first primary. At the second primary the two candidates among those who do not withdraw their candidacies and who received more votes in the first primary than any other remaining candidate alone shall run for any one office.

“A runoff is usually expected in a three-way race like we had,” said Brown. “I plan to work hard focusing on the campaign the next two weeks. I have heard some negative comments about me, but I refuse to go after my opponent for his past.”

“I thank everyone for supporting me,” he said. “Just be sure to get out and vote in two weeks.”

Kamau Marcharia was pleased with his campaign and the support he received.

“I feel proud of the people who work for me. They were very good and loyal,” he said. “It was a grassroots campaign, and I will be working to get more people to concerned about the issues and go vote. I did well and I think I can do even better”

The third candidate, Kenneth Belton, was noticeably absent from the candidate events leading up to the race.

In a letter addressed to “Church Families,” and dated June 2, Belton stated: “Due to unfortunate circumstances, I will not be able to complete my campaign for House of Representative. However, I encourage all of my supporters to vote for Mr. Kamau Marcharia, who is a Son in Christ and our neighbor and with your help, your next House of Representative.”

When reached for comment the day after the election, Belton said he felt people are looking for a change.

“I think that is why so many voted for me,” he said. “I am young, and may consider running again in the future.”

Belton was at first reluctant to say if he still endorsed Marcharia, but finally said, “I would like Kamau to win.”

There are 22 precincts in Fairfield County. Brown won in the New Hope, Blackstock, Lebanon, White Oak, Gladden Grove, Mitford, Winnsboro 1 and 2, Winnsboro Mills, Simpson and Dutchman’s Creek precincts.

Marcharia won in the Feasterville, Blair, Monticello, Jenkinsville, Hickory Ridge, Horeb-Glenn, Woodward, South Winnsboro and and Ridgeway precincts.

Chester County has eight precincts. Brown took the Blackstock, Halsellville, Chester Ward 3 and 4, and Baldwin precincts, and Marcharia won in Chester Ward 1 and 2 and Eureka Mill.