Ricky Bailey, a lifelong Saluda resident and small business owner, has officially announced his candidacy for the Saluda County Council’s 3rd District seat. Bailey brings to the race a life story grounded in perseverance, faith, and a deep understanding of the financial realities facing rural communities like Saluda County.
Born in Lexington County in 1971, Bailey moved with his family to Saluda in 1978 and graduated from Saluda High School. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Retailing from the University of South Carolina in 1994. After college, he joined his father in the family business, Bailey and Son Music Company, which supplied and maintained jukeboxes and later video poker machines throughout the region.
Two major life events would soon test his resolve — the sudden loss of his father and the outlawing of video poker in South Carolina. Both events deeply impacted Bailey personally and financially. Having recently married and built a new home, he watched as 80% of his business disappeared overnight. Yet, through patience, determination, hard work – and with his wife, Missy, solidly behind him – Bailey rebuilt the business from the ground up — an experience he says uniquely prepared him for the tough challenges of public service.
“In a county like Saluda, where growth doesn’t come easy, you learn how to make the most of every dollar,” Bailey said. “That experience taught me the importance of being frugal, setting priorities, and working with what you have — lessons I’ll carry with me to the council.”
In recent years, Bailey’s leadership has extended beyond his business. As Finance Director and later Chairman of the Church Council at Rehoboth Methodist Church, he guided the congregation through a period of difficult discussions reflecting nationwide changes within the United Methodist Church. His steady leadership helped the church navigate sensitive issues with honesty and respect. “That was where I learned the value of transparency and clear communication,” he explained, recalling that a rumor about burial plots on church property ultimately became a lesson in how open dialogue solves even the toughest problems.
Bailey currently chairs Saluda County’s “Penny Tax” Committee, a citizen-led group tasked with evaluating possible projects for funding through the county’s one-cent sales tax. His peers on the committee chose him to serve as chairman at their first meeting, reflecting widespread trust in his balanced, fair-minded approach.
An active member of the Saluda County Republican Party from Holly Precinct, Bailey has regularly attended precinct reorganization meetings, served as a delegate to the county convention, and worked to foster strong, local grassroots leadership. He often facilitated meetings at Rehoboth Methodist before the party relocated its gatherings to downtown Saluda for greater accessibility to all.
For many years, Bailey resisted calls to run for County Council. For one thing, his wife, Missy, made it clear she had no intention of being married to a career politician! She also insisted Ricky complete his most important role – father – before running for any office. He promised not to do so until the youngest of their three children graduated from high school, and was out on his own.
That milestone came in 2024, when their son Christian graduated from Saluda High and began his career with Lee Electric. Their two older children, Matthew and Amanda, also graduated from Saluda High. Matthew earned a degree from Lander and is employed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. After receiving her undergraduate degree at Presbyterian College, Amanda Bailey is now completing her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Duke University.
Now, with his children grown and his business strong, Bailey says this is the right moment to serve the county that has given him so much.
“Saluda County is home. It’s where I grew up, built my business, and raised my family. I want to help it flourish,” he said.
Bailey’s campaign will center around two key principles: transparency and fiscal responsibility. He supports ongoing efforts like the county’s new informational podcast but believes more can be done to keep citizens informed about council operations and decisions.
He also plans to scrutinize spending and contracts to ensure taxpayers get the best possible value for every dollar spent.
Importantly, Bailey has pledged to stay connected with residents of District 3 by partnering with the Saluda County Republican Party to hold several open community meetings each year. “Listening is the heart of leadership,” Bailey said. “The best ideas often come from the people you serve.”
As his campaign begins, Bailey says he’s “all in” and energized by the chance to help shape Saluda County’s future with honesty, accountability, and common sense.
