Tabatha M. Strother (Chester City Council Ward 1, South Carolina, candidate 2025)
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Tabatha M. Strother ran for election to the Chester City Council Ward 1 in South Carolina. She was on the ballot in the general election on May 6, 2025.[source]
Strother completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Tabatha M. Strother provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on April 27, 2025:
- Birth date: September 2, 1976
- Birth place: Chester, South Carolina
- High school: Chester Senior High
- Graduate: Carolina College of Theology, 2019
- Other: Anderson University
- Gender: Female
- Religion: Christian
- Profession: Healthcare
- Prior offices held:
- City Council Member (2021-Prsnt)
- Incumbent officeholder: Yes
- Campaign slogan: A Leader You Can Trust
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
- Campaign YouTube video
Elections
General election
General election for Chester City Council Ward 1
Dennis Jackson, Stephan Matt Sanderson, Tabatha M. Strother, and Darlene Wright ran in the general election for Chester City Council Ward 1 on May 6, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Dennis Jackson (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Stephan Matt Sanderson (Nonpartisan) | ||
Tabatha M. Strother (Nonpartisan)  | ||
| Darlene Wright (Nonpartisan) | ||
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Strother in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Tabatha M. Strother completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Strother's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am Rev. Tabatha Strother, a passionate public servant who believes in the power of community, transparency, and hard work. I currently serve as Chester City Council Ward - 1 as well being elected by peers (current councilmembers) to serve Mayor Pro Tem. I have been honored to work alongside our council and administration to help move our city forward. I am deeply committed to making government more open and accessible to all, that's why I supported livestreaming all council meetings so residents can stay informed and involved.
I'm also proud to chair our Economic Development Committee, where I helped lead projects like the downtown streetscape revitalization to strengthen our local economy and attract new opportunities. I also worked with the National Fitness Campaign to obtain a $30k grant in aiding the City with receiving an Outdoor Fitness Court, to promote free health and fitness. Economic growth and community health are two issues I care deeply about, especially in rural towns like Chester where chronic illnesses and limited resources often go hand in hand.
I’m an Advanced Municipal Elected Officials (MEO) graduate through the Municipal Association of South Carolina, because I believe leadership means continuously learning and bringing the best to those you serve. I love Chester and the people who reside there. Every decision I make is rooted in a simple goal: to make our city stronger, healthier, and more vibrant for generations to come.- Governmental Transparency: I believe that as elected officials, we should work for the people, not behind closed doors. That's why under my leadership, all council and committee meetings, except executive sessions, are now live-streamed. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, you can stay connected and be a part of the process. Transparency builds trust, and I'm committed to making sure our community always has a clear view of what’s happening in their local government.
- Economic Development: As the Chair of our Economic Development Committee, I’ve worked closely with Mayor Williams, Council and administration to move important projects forward. Projects like the streetscape revitalization of our downtown area. These efforts are about more than just beautification; they help attract new businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the heart of our city. A thriving downtown is a reflection of a thriving community.
- Policy and Leadership: Good intentions aren’t enough, effective leadership requires real knowledge and training. I’m proud to be an Advanced Municipal Elected Officials (MEO) graduate through the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC). This education is important because it equips me to lead wisely, make sound policy decisions, and advocate effectively for the needs of our residents. I’m committed to bringing professionalism and preparedness to every decision I make on your behalf.
In small, rural communities like Chester, we often face higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. These health challenges impact not just individual families, but the overall future of our community. I believe it’s important to focus on public health initiatives that promote wellness, increase access to care, and support healthier lifestyles for everyone.
I am equally passionate about economic development because a thriving local economy is vital for small towns. Economic growth brings jobs, opportunity, and renewed energy to our communities. Strong health and strong economic foundations go hand in hand, and I am committed to policies that help our town grow and succeed on both fronts.
I am equally passionate about economic development because a thriving local economy is vital for small towns. Economic growth brings jobs, opportunity, and renewed energy to our communities. Strong health and strong economic foundations go hand in hand, and I am committed to policies that help our town grow and succeed on both fronts.
This office is unique and important because it is the closest link between residents and of the state government and the legal system. Decisions made at this level directly impact daily living, from public safety to economic development, and also help shape how state laws and policies are applied locally. It’s a position that requires balancing local needs with broader legal responsibilities, making it a critical part of ensuring government remains responsive, fair, and effective.
There are various people I look up to, each for different reasons. One person in particular is my sister-in-law, Mildred S. Davis. She’s deeply rooted in her faith, she’s highly educated, and she knows exactly who she is. Her status at work or in life doesn’t define her; she understands her purpose and stays focused on her assignment, no matter what distractions come her way. I admire that strength and clarity.
Another person is Archbishop Marcia Dinkins. She fights tirelessly against injustices but also leads with a heart full of compassion for the community. She shows that you can stand strong for what’s right and still love and serve people with kindness. Their examples remind me that leadership is about staying true to your purpose and never losing sight of the people you are called to serve.
Another person is Archbishop Marcia Dinkins. She fights tirelessly against injustices but also leads with a heart full of compassion for the community. She shows that you can stand strong for what’s right and still love and serve people with kindness. Their examples remind me that leadership is about staying true to your purpose and never losing sight of the people you are called to serve.
I would recommend The Art of War by Sun Tzu. While it's often seen as a book about military strategy, it offers deep lessons on leadership, planning, adaptability, and understanding challenges, all qualities that are important in public service. It teaches the importance of being thoughtful, prepared, and strategic, which aligns closely with how I approach leadership and decision-making for our community
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, honesty, and faithfulness. Leaders must do what is right even when no one is watching, speak truthfully, and remain committed to serving the people with dedication and heart.
I believe my commitment to integrity, my ability to listen, my strong leadership skills, and my dedication to learning make me a successful officeholder. I approach every decision with honesty and a genuine desire to serve the community. I am adaptable when challenges arise, and I work hard to find real solutions. Most importantly, I stay grounded in my values and focused on the needs of the people I represent.
The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office include representing the interests of the people, helping to create and pass local policies, working with fellow council members and the administration to guide the city’s growth, and making decisions that improve the quality of life for all residents. It also means understanding the duties of the office, from setting budgets to approving projects, and leading with knowledge, transparency, and accountability.
I want to leave a legacy of getting the job done and always showing up for my community. I believe in making a real, lasting impact by working hard, being present, and doing what’s right. My mother taught us to leave things better than we found them, and that’s the standard I hold myself to. Whether it’s through small actions or big projects, I want to know that I made a positive difference in the lives of the people I serve.
The first historical event I remember was when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after takeoff. I was in the 4th grade at South Side School, which is now our County Government Complex. At the time, I knew it was something bad, but I didn’t fully understand how severe and tragic it was. However, what I do remember clearly is wanting to comfort my teacher and our librarian, because I could see how deeply it affected them. That day left a lasting impression on me about how events can touch a whole community.
My very first job was working at Carowinds amusement park. It was a seasonal position, and I worked there for two seasons. It taught me early on the value of hard work, customer service, and teamwork, lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.
My favorite book is God Don't Like Ugly by Mary Monroe. I’ve read it multiple times and love the way it tackles real-life struggles with raw honesty, yet still offers a sense of hope and redemption. It’s a story that resonates deeply with me, and I’m really looking forward to the movie adaptation. It’s one of those books that always feels like it has something new to offer each time I read it.
God's Grace by Luther Barnes
Living with fibromyalgia has been one of the biggest struggles in my life. I was diagnosed in 2003, and it’s a condition that can be debilitating, affecting my daily life in many ways. But rather than let it define me, I’ve used it as an opportunity to encourage myself and others. I’ve written three publications about my experience to raise awareness and offer support to those facing similar challenges. I’m confident that, despite the difficulties, I will continue to push forward and find ways to win against fibromyalgia.
One responsibility that many people may not realize is how much this office influences the city's long-term planning and financial decisions. From setting strategic goals to approving budgets and development projects, the work done here directly shapes the future of our community. It's not just about voting at meetings, it's about helping build a vision for the city and making sure resources are used wisely to achieve it.
While I don't believe you have to have previous government experience to serve in this office, I do believe it's important to have a willingness to learn. I had some experience before stepping into this role, and it helped, but what matters most is having the heart to serve, the humility to listen, and the commitment to grow. Good leadership is about learning the process, understanding the responsibilities, and making decisions that put the community first.
Some of the most helpful skills for someone in this office are listening, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, and communication. Listening ensures that you truly hear the needs of the people. Problem-solving and adaptability help you navigate challenges and find solutions when things change. Strong leadership keeps the community moving forward, and good communication builds trust and keeps everyone informed and engaged.
This office is unique and important because it serves as the direct voice of the people in shaping the future of our community. It bridges the gap between residents and the decisions that impact their daily lives. By working closely with the mayor, council, and administration, this office helps set priorities, manage resources, and ensure that government remains transparent, responsive, and focused on the needs of the people.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are essential. The public deserves to know how their tax dollars are being spent and why decisions are being made. Transparency builds trust, and accountability ensures that leaders are acting in the best interest of the community. I am committed to making sure that our financial practices are open, honest, and easy for residents to follow and understand.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
