Tega Cay residents are gearing up for an important election season as candidates for Mayor and City Council officially announce their campaigns, bringing forward diverse platforms and experiences. While a full roster of candidates and their detailed platforms is still emerging, we highlight the announced contenders and their initial priorities based on publicly available information. Officially filing for candidates opens on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 @ 8:00 AM and ends on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 @ 5:00 PM. Stay tuned for updates.
Mayoral Race: A Contested Seat
The race for Mayor sees two prominent figures vying for the city’s top leadership role, alongside an incumbent seeking re-election.
Carmen Miller, currently serving as a City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem, has officially launched her campaign for Mayor of Tega Cay. Her platform, “One Tega Cay,” is built on five key pillars:
- Resident-First Policies: Prioritizing the quality of life and safety of Tega Cay residents.
- Transparent, Accountable Governance: Ensuring accessible and honest city leadership.
- Infrastructure That Reflects Our Standards: Reinvesting in city assets such as parks and roads.
- Responsible Fiscal Planning: Managing the city’s finances with prudence and responsibility.
- Smart, Purposeful Development: Guiding development that aligns with community values and promotes connectivity. Miller emphasizes a commitment to serving with the people and fostering a unified community approach. More details can be found on her campaign website, Carmen Miller for Tega Cay Mayor.
John Tukker, a seasoned aerospace and defense executive, has announced his candidacy for Mayor. A devoted husband and father, Tukker brings a strong commitment to public service and community to his campaign. He aims to protect Tega Cay’s unique character and guide its future with thoughtful leadership, driven by a long-held vision to give back to the place he calls home. His platform focuses on both preserving the city’s cherished attributes and planning for its future:
To Keep:
- Our Small-Town Character
- Our Community Values
- An Infrastructure Scaled to the Community
- A Lake Lifestyle
- Natural Beauty
- A Welcoming, Inclusive Culture
To Plan:
- City’s Financial Stewardship
- Smart, Responsible Growth
- Modern Infrastructure
- Public Safety & Emergency Services
- Environmental Resilience
- A city that supports Youth, Seniors, and Future Generations
Tukker’s campaign emphasizes his readiness to leverage his civic involvement and executive management experience for the benefit of Tega Cay residents. His Facebook page is Elect John Tukker, and his campaign website is tukker2025.org.
Incumbent Mayor Chris Gray has announced his intention to run for re-election. Mayor Gray made his announcement at the Lions Fish Fry on July 4th, signaling his commitment to continue serving the city. Further details on his re-election platform are anticipated.
City Council Candidates: Focused on Community Growth and Well-being
Several candidates have also put their names forward for the City Council, aiming to contribute to Tega Cay’s future development and maintain its appeal.
Thomas Hyslip, a current Tega Cay City Council Member, is seeking re-election, advocating for the preservation of “The Good Life” in Tega Cay. His platform is extensive, covering critical areas:
- Government Transparency and Accountability: Pledging full transparency in his work and supporting tools like cleargov.com, emphasizing the importance of trust between government and citizens.
- Police Support: As a 23-year law enforcement veteran, he pledges full support and funding for the Tega Cay Police Department to maintain the city’s safety.
- Technology: Aiming to improve internet access and reliability, leveraging his experience with fiber optic implementation, and promoting “Smart City” technology for efficient management and improved public safety, including live-streaming for outdoor sports fields.
- Development: Advocating for limiting growth while stimulating economic development, ensuring remaining land is used wisely, and supporting projects like Main Street development for commercial tax revenue. He also believes annexation should only occur when mutually beneficial.
- Environment: Committed to protecting Lake Wylie from development effects, leveraging his background as an environmental engineer and EPA Special Agent. He successfully advocated for converting the Storm Water committee to an Environmental committee to address broader issues like sedimentation, recycling, and erosion.
- Parks and Green Space: Emphasizing the maintenance of green space and developing new parks, improving existing ones, and ensuring inclusive playground equipment.
- Community: Supporting the expansion of bike paths to connect the city, adding a dog park, ensuring crosswalk safety, and promoting family events like outdoor movie nights.
Hyslip brings 27 years of service with the U.S. Army, Secret Service, and Department of Defense, holding a Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity. He is a retired Army Colonel and has received awards such as the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. His campaign website is hyslip.com and his Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/HyslipforCityCouncil
NOTE: Thomas Hyslip is a partner of the Liberty Media Group, parent company of the Tega Cay Sun.
Heather Jones is running for Tega Cay Council with a platform centered on three key priorities:
- Safety: Protecting Tega Cay’s reputation as one of South Carolina’s safest communities.
- Small-Town Charm and Recreational Amenities: Preserving the city’s unique character and recreational opportunities.
- Economic Prosperity: Promoting financial well-being for the city and its taxpayers. Jones has a strong background in community involvement, including serving as Chair of the City of Tega Cay Stormwater & Environmental Committee and Co-President of the Tega Cay Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization. Her extensive community work includes involvement with the Tega Cay Lions Club and founding local groups. Her campaign details are available on her website, Jones for Tega Cay.
Ron Kirby has also entered the race for City Council. Residents can visit his Facebook page (Ron Kirby TC) for updates. We will provide additional information regarding Mr. Kirby’s platform when it becomes available.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed as the election season progresses, attending community events and visiting candidate websites to learn more about their visions for Tega Cay.
