Protecting What Makes Isle of Palms Special
“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
Candidate for Mayor, Isle of Palms, SC
Colonel (U.S. Army, Retired) | Scout Leader
Honor. Integrity. Ethics.
jonregan@waltersforiop.com
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.
Meet Jon Regan Walters
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
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.
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.
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 for Isle of Palms Mayor 2025
On June 28, 2025 (Carolina Day), Jon Regan Walters announced his candidacy for Mayor of Isle of Palms at VFW Post 3137, surrounded by family, friends, and supporters. A lifelong Isle of Palms resident and U.S. Army veteran, Jon Regan is dedicated to protecting the island’s small-town charm, natural beauty, and community spirit. His platform focuses on smart growth, resident livability, and ethical leadership. Watch his full mayoral announcement speech here.
Together for IOP
Every donation helps us run a transparent, community-focused campaign that puts residents first. Your donation helps ensure Isle of Palms residents have a voice and a mayor who will work hand-in-hand with City Council to tackle traffic, protect our neighborhoods, and preserve the character of our island.
Contact Me
I’ve called Isle of Palms home for over 55 years—and I care deeply about the people, the pace, and the spirit of this island. If you’ve got a question, an idea, or just want to chat about what matters most to you, I’m all ears. Reach out anytime—I’m your neighbor first, and I’m here to listen.
