Judge rules in favor of Democratic Party over Charleston Co. Sheriff candidate Alan Ali

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A judge ruled in favor of the Democratic Party over Charleston Co. sheriff candidate Alan Ali Tuesday in his lawsuit to get his name on the primary ballot after the South Carolina Democratic Party (SCDP) refused to certify him.

Ali's attorneys took legal action against the party on April 11. Ali announced he would seek the Democratic nomination for Charleston County sheriff in December 2023.

The previous SCDP chair, Trav Robertson Jr., challenged his candidacy by claiming Ali did not meet the requirements by not residing in Charleston County for at least one year before the election.

READ MORE: "Charleston Co. sheriff candidate Alan Ali files lawsuit to get on the Democratic ballot"

Following the judge's decision South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain released the following statement:

Today’s ruling affirms the Party’s right to determine who can access our primary ballot. We take this responsibility seriously. Our process is both transparent and fair. We will continue to ensure candidates for the Democratic nomination are not attempting to mislead Democratic primary voters by actively exploring running for office under the banner of another political party.”

Mr. Ali has every right to run for Sheriff in the General Election. South Carolina state law provides multiple avenues for a candidate to access the ballot. It is not our Party's responsibility to give a Republican or member of any other political Party access to the Democratic Party's Primary ballot.

The Charleston County Democratic Party Chair Sam Skardon pointed to Ali's actions as the central reason behind the decision.

“Throughout this process, Mr. Ali’s own words and actions were the driving force behind the decision the party reached," Skardon said. "We have a right, and a responsibility to South Carolina voters, to ensure candidates running as Democrats, in a Democratic Primary, are actually Democrats.”

In response to the ruling, Ali released the following statement:

I am disappointed with today’s decision that says the Democratic Party can do whatever they want, whenever they want, to protect party incumbents and prevent the voters from having a choice at the ballot. I have no problem with the party having their own rules, but they should be required to apply them equally to everyone. That is what the law requires and what our citizens demand. The fight to give voters the ability to choose their next Sheriff is not over. I believe in our Constitution, and I’m not laying down.

Ali's attorney, Mark A. Peper of the Peper Law Firm also released a statement:

Lt. Ali is disappointed with today’s decision and is prayerfully contemplating his next steps. While I firmly believe an appeal of this Order to the South Carolina Supreme Court would be prudent, it would have to be briefed, argued, and ruled upon in the next 48 hours to avoid postponing the June 11 primary, which admittedly, would take a herculean effort. That said, our team remains ready and able to fight this injustice and will continue to advise and support Lt. Ali, his family, and all who stand for democracy.