Hiott takes state Pickens House District 4 race

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Hiott received 2,611 votes, while Trotter pulled in 2,330, according to unofficial election returns.

There is no Democrat on the November ballot in House District 4, which includes northern Pickens County and the Liberty area.

Hiott supporter Dinah Harris said she wanted a change in the House.

"Teddy Trotter's been there for a good while now, and we'll see what Hiott can do," the 45-year-old Liberty resident said.

Martha Busby, 53, of Liberty said she voted for Trotter because "I've known him all my life and I think he's doing a good job."

Of his win, Hiott said, "It's an absolutely humbling experience."

"I'm just so thankful for everything — my wife, my family, everybody who worked so hard. This was a grassroots effort."

Hiott said one of the first things he wants to do when he gets to Columbia is work on creating jobs, economic development and education.

Trotter said Hiott ran a good, clean race.

"I have nothing but good things to say about him," he said. "I wish him Godspeed."

Job creation and meeting needs of law enforcement and education were key issues in Hiott's campaign.

Hiott, 43, owner of Hiott Printing Co. in Pickens, is on the board of directors of the Pickens County Economic Development Alliance and focused his campaign on his leadership abilities.

Trotter, 46, represented District 4 for the past 12 years, said during the campaign that his seniority is an asset to the district. A Pickens strawberry farmer, Trotter currently sits on the House Ways and Means Committee.