Republican Don Hyder Jr. wants to be one of the “new faces” with “new ideas” who can win back the trust of the people of Union County after a year of political tragedy.

A businessman, former public safety officer and lifelong resident of Union County, Hyder formally announced his candidacy Thursday evening for the District 4 Union County Council seat currently held by Democrat Joey English. Hyder made the announcement during a candidates forum sponsored by the Union County Republican Party at the Career Source Center. In a brief address, Hyder spoke of his desire to make a difference and of the need to restore public confidence in local government.

“I’ve been asked why I’m running and I say I’m running because I believe I can make a difference,” Hyder said. “Union County suffered a tragedy this past year and it’s going to take some new faces and some new ideas to win back the trust of the people of Union County. There’s a lot of questions and not enough answers and there needs to be more accountability.”

Hyder, the owner of Hyder’s Pit Stop Barber Shop and Hyder’s Hauling and Bobcat Service, is the first Republican to announce his candidacy for county council. If elected, he will be the first Republican to serve on county council and the first to be elected to local office since Reconstruction.

The only Republican currently holding office in Union County is Clerk of Court Freddie Gault who was appointed in 2009 by Gov. Mark Sanford. The only other non-Democrat currenly holding office is Union County Supervisor Tommy Sinclair, an Independent who was also appointed by Sanford in 2009.

Hyder is the second Republican in Union County to announce for the November general election. Businessman and Jonesville resident Randy English is running for the S.C. House District 42 seat currently held by Democrat Mike Anthony. English also participated in Thursday’s forum.