Cayce, South Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Byron Thomas, the outreach director for U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson and a resident of Cayce, is vying for a seat on the Cayce City Council. His previous support for the Confederate flag as a university student has prompted new scrutiny, reflecting his evolving views. Previously advocating for the flag’s display, Thomas has since apologized for his past stance and now emphasizes unity under the American flag. His candidacy has sparked discussions about race, history, and representation in the community as he attempts to rebuild trust with voters.
Cayce, South Carolina – Byron Thomas, a Cayce resident and the outreach director for U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, is running for a seat on the Cayce City Council in the upcoming November election. His candidacy has prompted a re-examination of his past views regarding the Confederate flag, which have undergone significant changes over the years.
In 2011, Thomas was only 19 years old and a student at the University of South Carolina Beaufort when he contested the removal of a Confederate flag that he displayed in his dorm room. His stance attracted national media attention, particularly because he is Black. During this time, Thomas expressed that his interest in the flag stemmed from a research project, leading him to associate it with Southern pride. He claimed his First Amendment right allowed him to keep the flag in his room, despite the university’s request for its removal due to complaints from other students.
At that time, Thomas argued that a Black man flying the Confederate flag could bridge racial divides. However, his perspective has shifted dramatically since those early years. In a public acknowledgment, he apologized for his past views and aimed to address the harm it might have caused within the Black community. He made it clear that he prefers to display the American flag moving forward.
In a 2015 opinion column, Thomas expressed his willingness to support the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House grounds, despite having hung it in his home previously. He cited personal embarrassment towards his parents for taking down the flag from his dorm room, rather than a change in his beliefs. His reflections revealed that he struggled with feelings of being pressured by university officials, leading to a delayed removal of the flag.
Previously, Thomas’s attachment to the Confederate flag was linked to a believed ancestry of a relative who fought in the Confederate Army. However, he later learned that this familial connection was inaccurate. His change in perspective is also met with skepticism from his opponents in the election race, as James “Skip” Jenkins and Marie Brown have raised questions about the authenticity of his transformation regarding the flag’s significance. Jenkins underscored the historical impact of the Confederate flag, while Brown noted that she was previously unaware of Thomas’s views but acknowledged his right to display it.
As Thomas moves forward in his campaign, he is conscious that rebuilding trust and modifying public perception will require time and effort. His journey signifies a personal evolution, transitioning from a defender of the Confederate flag to a figure who advocates for unity under the American flag.
Background Context
Byron Thomas’s past stance on the Confederate flag has brought attention to larger dialogues about race, history, and representation within the community. The Confederate flag has long been a symbol of division for many, and Thomas’s earlier public support for it raises questions about how public figures navigate their beliefs in relation to cultural and racial sensitivities.
Key Facts
- Byron Thomas is running for Cayce City Council.
- He served as the outreach director for U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson.
- Thomas previously displayed a Confederate flag in his dorm room while at university.
- His case gained national attention due to his race and viewpoint.
- He has publicly apologized for his previous views on the Confederate flag.
- Thomas now advocates for flying the American flag.
FAQ
What position is Byron Thomas running for?
Byron Thomas is running for a seat on the Cayce City Council in the November election.
What was Thomas’s past stance on the Confederate flag?
In 2011, Thomas fought to keep a Confederate flag displayed in his dorm room while a student at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
How has Thomas’s perspective changed regarding the flag?
Thomas now acknowledges that his perspective on the flag has changed significantly since then and has publicly apologized for his past views.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Byron Thomas |
| Residence | Cayce, South Carolina |
| Current Role | Outreach Director for U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson |
| Past Views | Fought to keep the Confederate flag in dorm room |
| Public Acknowledgment | Apologized for past views |
| Current Stance | Only wishes to fly the American flag |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Cayce Tourism Funding and Commerce Ethics
- Wikipedia: Cayce, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Infighting and Turnover at Cayce City Hall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- The State: Election News
- Google Search: Cayce City Council election 2024
- Post and Courier: Cayce – West Columbia Chamber
- Google News: Cayce South Carolina
- WISTV: Cayce Passes Hate Crime Ordinance
- WLTX: Cayce Mayor and External Committees
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