Greenville, SC, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Incumbent Lillian Brock Flemming faces challenger Mike Kilgore in an election slated for November 4. Issues of representation, gentrification, and urban development are central themes as both candidates prepare for a potentially impactful campaign in an evolving District 2.
Greenville City is gearing up for a contentious election as incumbent Lillian Brock Flemming, who has served on the City Council since 1981, faces a challenge from political novice Mike Kilgore. The election will take place on November 4, with early voting set to begin on October 20.
Flemming, representing District 2, emphasizes the importance of African American representation on the City Council. She highlights her record of accomplishments, including reducing crime rates and promoting homeownership in her district. In contrast, Kilgore argues that he has a viable chance of winning after narrowly losing an election by only 8% or 170 votes in a previous run, despite the fact that he does not have the support of local Republican leaders.
The demographic shifts in District 2 are significant, with over 50% currently identified as White, 39% as Black, 7% as Hispanic, and 4% of other races as per the 2020 census. This marks a transition from two majority-minority districts to four majority-White districts following redistricting in 2021. Kilgore contends that these changes warrant a reevaluation of political representation in the district.
Gentrification and urban development are pressing issues facing the city, particularly for Flemming. Projects like Unity Park have raised concerns about the impacts of such developments on existing communities. Kilgore is focusing on local issues as well, proposing an increase in business license fees, the relocation of City Hall, and the privatization of parts of the city’s bus system as part of his platform.
While Flemming asserts that her extensive connections and experience make her more effective than ever at age 76, Kilgore is eager to challenge the established political landscape in Greenville. Both candidates are preparing for an election that could significantly impact the future direction of the city, especially regarding representation and local governance.
As the election nears, residents of Greenville are faced with deciding which candidate will best represent their interests in an evolving community.
Key Demographic Information for District 2
- White: 50%
- Black: 39%
- Hispanic: 7%
- Other races: 4%
Upcoming Election Details
- Election Date: November 4
- Early Voting Starts: October 20
Candidates Overview
- Lillian Brock Flemming: Incumbent since 1981, focusing on representation and urban development.
- Mike Kilgore: Challenger, political novice, emphasizing infrastructure and local spending issues.
Major Issues in the Campaign
- Gentrification and urban development projects, particularly Unity Park.
- Narrow margins in previous elections leading to discussions on representation.
- Changing demographics in District 2 and their implications for local governance.
FAQ Section
What is the upcoming election date for Greenville City?
The upcoming election will be decided on November 4, with early voting starting on October 20.
Who are the candidates in the Greenville City Council race for District 2?
The candidates are Lillian Brock Flemming, the incumbent, and Mike Kilgore, the challenger.
How have the demographics of District 2 changed?
The demographics of District 2 show over 50% White, 39% Black, 7% Hispanic, and 4% of other races as of the 2020 census.
What major issues are being discussed in the campaign?
Major issues include gentrification, urban development, crime rates, and the fiscal management of the city.
Candidate Comparison Chart
| Candidate | Experience | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Lillian Brock Flemming | Incumbent since 1981 | Urban development, crime reduction, homeownership |
| Mike Kilgore | Political novice | Infrastructure, city spending, business license fees |
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: 2025 Elections
- Greenville Online: Voting Information
- Reflector: City Council Candidates
- WYFF News: Candidates Speak
- WSFA: City Council Candidates List
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Google Search: Greenville City Council Elections
- Google Scholar: Greenville Elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville
- Google News: Greenville City Council
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
