10/26/2026
Theo Lane steps down as Greenwood County Council Chairman; Dayne Pruitt assumes role
Greenwood, S.C. – Greenwood County Council Chairman Theo Lane announced today that he voluntarily stepped down as chairman, effective at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Vice Chairman Dayne Pruitt assumed the role of chairman.
Lane, who has served on Greenwood County Council for 10 years, has held the chairmanship for the past two years. In announcing his decision, Lane expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the council and serve the residents of Greenwood County.
“Serving as Chairman of Greenwood County Council for the past two years has been a tremendous honor and privilege,” said Lane. “I have always understood the weight and responsibility this role carries, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and contribute to the future of Greenwood County. I am proud of the work we have accomplished during my time as chairman and throughout my 10 years serving on County Council.
“Recently, I unfortunately used incendiary words to describe people that hold a different opinion than I do on a very controversial issue. Anyone who comes forward and expresses a truly held belief should be appreciated and not criticized by their elected officials, and in that regard, I did not uphold my own standard.
“While I believe accountability to be important, I also believe that it is important for the public to understand the tactics that have been used during the past several months by a small but vocal group of individuals. These individuals have used such harassment as phone calls to my house at 1 a.m., blowing horns in my driveway (waking my autistic child), and even death threats. A combination of these and other aggressive and unimaginable methods have been deployed upon me in the singular effort to have me step down as County Council Chairman. After taking this harassment for six months and in a moment of frustration, I misspoke. My frustration was aimed at these individuals and not at Greenwood Citizens at large, even those I disagree with on this specific topic. I offer this as an explanation and not as an excuse.
“The work that stands before us is critical, voluminous, and landscape-changing, and I cannot, in good conscience, allow my holding this position to deter our focus on these tasks. Therefore, effective at 2:00 p.m. today October 26, 2026, I am voluntarily stepping down as the Chairman of Greenwood County Council. This decision was reached after prayer and consultation with people that I respect. I believe it serves the best interest of our County Council and Greenwood County.
“I remain committed to serving the constituents of District 7 and look forward to giving my full attention to their needs and priorities. It has been a privilege to serve Greenwood, and I will continue working for Greenwood County to the best of my ability.”
Vice Chairman Dayne Pruitt will assume the chairmanship effective October 26, 2026.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to Theo Lane for his time as Chairman of Greenwood County Council,” said Pruitt.
“Secondly, I would like to say that I am both humbled and honored to assume this role as Chairman for the next two months. I can guarantee you that I will make mistakes, but I can promise that I will do this position to the best of my ability as long as I am in office.
“My Faith and my Family will always come first, and I would like to end with this Bible verse from Philippians 2:3: ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.’”
Greenwood County Council will elect a new vice chairman at its next meeting on November 3, 2026. The chairman and the new vice chairman selected during this transition will serve the remainder of the current term.
Council will then elect a chairman and vice chairman to serve a new two-year term at its January 5, 2027 meeting.
Greenwood County Council acknowledges and accepts the resignation of Theo Lane from his position as Council Chairman. We recognize the concerns expressed by citizens regarding recent events and appreciate those who have taken the time to share their perspectives.
Public service carries a responsibility to lead with professionalism, respect, and a commitment to the people we represent. As Council moves forward, we remain committed to transparency, open communication, responsible decision-making, and respectful engagement with all members of our community. We understand that public trust is essential to effective local government, and we will continue working to strengthen that trust through our actions and our service.
