Stella Mercado was elected to the District 6 County Council seat in 2022. She was unanimously elected County Council Vice-Chair in January 2025.
Stella’s has focused on quality of life issues: working to cut development density on the Waccamaw Neck by 50 percent, improve traffic flow and safety, strengthen public safety by funding badly needed sheriff deputies, and ensuring fire and rescue responders have the equipment they need.
As the oldest of three siblings and the only daughter of a Naval Officer, Stella grew up learning how to serve her country, adapt to diverse communities, and build relationships. She excelled in sports and academics and was recruited to play softball at the University of Virginia.
She has lived on the Waccamaw Neck for 25 years, serving on the boards of Teach My People and the Coastal Montessori Charter School and its Parent Teacher Organization.