About Jon Regan Walters

“For more than 55 years, this island has been my home. I’m raising my family here. I served our country overseas, and now I want to serve my neighbors as your mayor. I’m running to preserve what makes this island special, especially its small-town charm, its natural beauty and the people who call it home.”

Jon Regan Walters

Jon Regan Walters, candidate for Isle of Palms Mayor

Why I’m Running

Short Term Rentals

Short-term rentals bring visitors and revenue, but without balance they disrupt neighborhoods and drive up housing costs. I will support sensible limits and strong enforcement to protect residential streets while still welcoming responsible tourism.

Beach Erosion & Infrastructure

Our shoreline is the heart of Isle of Palms, yet erosion continues to threaten it year after year. We need long-term, sustainable solutions backed by state and federal support, while also improving drainage, roads, and facilities that serve residents first.

Residents Quality of Life

Traffic, noise, and overdevelopment have put pressure on the day-to-day life of islanders. My priority is protecting the character of our community by keeping livability at the center of every city decision.

Local Business Growth

Our local businesses are part of what makes Isle of Palms special. By cutting red tape, improving parking and access, and ensuring fair support, we can strengthen our economy while keeping it rooted in community values.

Fiscal Transparency

Residents deserve to know where every dollar goes. I will make the city’s finances fully transparent, hold leaders accountable for spending, and fight to keep more of the $550M we generate each year invested right here on our island.

Leaders That Listen

Too often, decisions are made without truly hearing residents. I will keep an open door, seek community input, and lead with the same honor and accountability that guided me throughout my military career.

A lifelong Isle of Palms resident, Jon Regan Walters brings over 30 years of military service, community leadership, and business experience to his campaign for Mayor. As a retired U.S. Army Colonel, Eagle Scout, and Citadel graduate, Jon Regan believes in principled leadership rooted in service—not slogans.

Deep Roots in Isle of Palms

  • 55+ Year Resident of Isle of Palms

  • Member & Elder at Sunrise Presbyterian Church

  • Eagle Scout, Troop 34 — Current Scout Leader, Pack 59

  • Licensed Real Estate Broker

  • Graduate of The Citadel (BS '84, MBA '91)

  • AAS Electrician – Construction/Industrial (TTC, 2016)

  • Lifelong history buff and proud supporter of local heritage

Leadership You Can Trust

  • Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) – 30 Years of Service

  • Field Artillery / Civil Affairs

  • Master Parachutist & Jumpmaster

  • Dedicated to consensus, not confrontation

  • Known for a can-do attitude and results-oriented mindset

Consensus Builder. Principled Leader. Island Neighbor.

Jon Regan isn’t running on promises—he’s running on a proven record of service, leadership, and results. A principled leader and lifelong island neighbor, he believes in listening first, acting with integrity, and building consensus to move Isle of Palms forward. With Jon Regan, it’s not about politics—it’s about doing what’s right for the community he’s always called home.

Protecting What Makes Us Special

  • Encourage smart, respectful growth that fits our island character

  • Maintain our identity as Mayberry with a Beach

Day-Trip Parking & Resident Livability

  • Ensure reasonable limits on parking to protect quality of life

  • Lobby state and local agencies as an advocate for residents

Short-Term Rentals

  • Address short-term rental impacts with reasonable caps

  • Balance tourism with long-term community stability

Leadership That Listens

  • Support open dialogue with residents, council and all stakeholders

  • Lead with honor, integrity, ethics and a focus on results…not ego

Jon Regan Walters with IOP Locals at VFW in Isle of Palms during his announcement speech to run for Mayor of Isle of Palms

Decorated Solider.

Proven Leader.

Military service develops the ability to lead teams, make decisions under pressure, and remain accountable to the people you serve—skills that directly translate into local government. As a U.S. Army Colonel and Citadel Alumni, Jon Regan Walters learned to:

  • Coordinate across agencies and communities to solve complex problems.

  • Plan strategically under pressure, balancing resources, risks, and long-term goals.

  • Put people first, ensuring safety, transparency, and accountability.

  • Lead by example, earning trust through integrity and discipline.

For Isle of Palms, that means a leader who can manage challenges, unite residents, and guide the community with honor and proven experience.

US DECORATIONS AND BADGES:

  • Legion of Merit

  • Bronze Star Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)

  • Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)

  • Joint Service Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)

  • Joint Service Achievement Medal

  • Army Achievement Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)

  • Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters)

  • National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star)

  • Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star)

  • Iraq Campaign Medal (with 4 Campaign Stars)

  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with 1 Campaign Star)

  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

  • Armed Forces Service Medal

  • Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Bronze Hourglass, “M” Device and Numeral 4)

  • Army Service Ribbon

  • Overseas Service Ribbon (with Numeral 5)

  • NATO Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star)

  • Joint Meritorious Unit Award (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)

  • Meritorious Unit Commendation

  • Army Superior Unit Award

  • Combat Action Badge

  • Master Parachutist Badge

Jon Regan Walters Colonel
Jon Regan Walters Marching at the Citadel
Jon Regan Walters marching at the Citadel
Jon Regan Walters, candidate for Isle of Palms Mayor
A young Jon Regan Walters in a military uniform with a maroon beret standing in front of an American flag.
Jon Regan Walters in military uniform standing in a hallway, resting his right arm on a pillar and looking at the camera.
Jon Regan Walters in military uniform and helmet standing indoors against a white brick wall with a bulletin board behind him.
A young Jon Regan Walters in a U.S. Army camouflage uniform and a red beret, smiling at the camera.
A man wearing a military uniform with name patch 'Walter's' is deep in thought, resting his chin on his hand.
Jon Regan Walters in his Boy Scout in uniform, adorned with numerous badges and medals, standing outdoors with US and Boy Scout flags in the background.
Jon Regan Walters cleaning the floor at the Citadel
Jon Regan Walters, candidate for Isle of Palms Mayor is sailing on a boat
Jon Regan Walters marching at the Citadel
Jon Regan Walters and his siblings building a snowman outside a house on a rare snow day in Isle of Palms
Jon Regan Walters Isle of Palms Youth Baseball
Jon Regan Walters spinning
Citadel Graduate Jon Regan Walters
Citadel Graduate Jon Regan Walters
Jon Regan Walters March 2001
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Jon Regan Walters enjoying a military break
Citadel Alumni Graduate Jon Regan Walters

Residents First

Jon Regan Walters for IOP Mayor

Honor. Integrity. Ethics.