Walton Grad Reaches USC Runoff

A Walton High alumnus finished first in voting for the University of South Carolina student government president and advanced to a runoff next week.

Kenny Tracy, an East Cobb junior majoring in sport and entertainment management with a minor in political science, received 40.9 percent of the vote in the online student election Tuesday and Wednesday, The Daily Gamecock reported.

He’ll face Vice President Emily Saleeby, who got 34.6 percent, in the runoff.

But Tracy almost was eliminated Wednesday night despite finishing first in the three-candidate race. He had to survive three allegations of campaign violations, including recruiting campaign staff with promises of Cabinet positions next year, The Daily Gamecock said.

“Violation dismissed. We are moving on and ready for the runoff,” Tracy tweeted.

As the student newspaper previously reported, Tracy also won the social media battle, gathering the most likes for his campaign’s Facebook page.

Tracy campaigned on the strength of his involvement in student activities and student government, The Daily Gamecock reported in a profile. His signature achievement is the Carolina Cab program, which offers students free rides on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Tracy finished behind Saleeby and John Cuenin in a Daily Gamecock poll last week with about 20 percent support, but he earned a lukewarm endorsement from the newspaper.