Meet your Lexington, Richland county state Senate candidates in the June 11 SC primary
The State opinion team interviewed more than 50 political candidates ahead of South Carolina’s June 11, 2024, primary election, and we present Q&As with 13 state senate candidates from Lexington and Richland county below, from Democratic primaries in districts 19, 22 and 26 and Republican primaries in districts 23 and 26. Early voting begins May 28. Every candidate was emailed six questions and given 250 words for each answer as part of our endorsement process. We are publishing these interviews first so readers can assess the candidates on their own.
If you have questions about our interviews or eventual endorsements, email me.
Find your polling place and senate district here. View a map of all the districts here. If this public service helps, please consider supporting our journalism here.
Senate District 19: Democrats Addison vs. Devine
Michael Addison
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: 1. Increasing minimum wage. To provide a livable wage for our working class.
2. Improving access to healthcare. Americans should have access to quality healthcare without barriers.
3. Providing funding in the form of grants and loans, and even microloans to small, minority and Black-owned businesses within the district, which will provide employment to the local community.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: 1. Allocate funding to doctors and rural healthcare facilities to increase access to quality healthcare. This will create an ability for citizens to attend doctor visits without using the emergency rooms for non-emergency matters. The funds spent on emergency room visits can be redirected to doctor’s offices and urgent care facilities.
2. I would allocate $100 million to small, minority and Black-owned businesses. This will improve employment and increase tax revenue within the district.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: I would review the current energy sources, current regulations and prospective needs going forward. I would allocate funding towards research and development on renewable energy sources within the district allowing individuals the opportunity to be a part of developing “single use” systems like solar and self-generating forms of energy.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: As it relates to population growth, I would continue to monitor the population, our food supplies and healthcare demands. The demand for housing has not changed significantly, but the supply of affordable housing has become an issue due to various controls within the market. I personally believe the market is being manipulated and the average individual in the working class is being outpriced by the artificial increased cost of housing.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: As a product of public education, I believe public education has its place when resources are distributed in an equitable manner. Public education has to consider the educational climate and make the necessary adjustments to the market. Most people are looking to provide for their families, and, currently, public education is not providing people with the resources necessary to take care of a family with a livable wage. The state should focus its resources on developing opportunities for the working class in the form of trades and vocational skills that are used on a daily basis. The migrants are not worried about public education.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: Voters should only choose me if they are ready for change and improvement within the district. My opponent has been in politics for over two decades. Enough is enough. As the saying goes, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If the voters want a different result, they will vote for Addison for Senate. It’s a new day. It’s time for change. I am a statesman with over 32 years of experience in treating the healthcare of over 15,000 patients. I have seen it all. I understand what the community needs. I am not in this race just to benefit myself. My opponent is self-serving and her political history displays her selfishness. I believe in putting the people over the party. I will do what is best for the community even when it’s not popular. I have friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I’m in it to win it for the community.
Incumbent Sen. Tameika Issac Devine
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: Gun violence and crime prevention, investing in infrastructure and smart growth, and workforce development and high-paying jobs
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: Increase school funding, teacher salaries and other resources to school, such as social workers and mental health counselors.
Invest in much needed infrastructure improvements like roads, bridges and some state-owned facilities like the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and state-owned community care homes.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: The 2023 Annual Report on the Implementation of State Government Energy Conservation has good suggestions. We need to look at expanding energy sources. We also need to spend more resources in helping communities with energy efficiency initiatives.
We must keep regulatory oversight and also encourage people who will be providing alternate energy sources
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: We are the fastest growing state in the nation. We must embrace that but also recognize challenges that come with growing too fast. We must work with local governments as it relates to housing needs (especially affordable housing). We must embrace new ways to address housing needs like tiny homes, increased density and inclusionary zoning.
Also, the South Carolina Department of Transportation needs to be ready to handle the infrastructure needs that will be necessary to handle the growth.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: Fully fund education and understand that Act 388 is not an equitable way to distribute school funding. Public money should not go to private school vouchers and schools should be supported when trying to expand school choice options
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: I have the experience, knowledge of the community and passion to serve all citizens of District 19. I have worked in this community all of my life and understand deeply the needs of the community. I know how to address the needs from a practical standpoint and legislatively. I have a proven track record of getting things done and will continue that if re-elected.
Senate District 22: Democrats Elkins vs. Thigpen vs. Walker
Monica Elkins
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: Education, veterans affairs, and gun and domestic violence because my constituents matter. My concern is ensuring the safety and security of our future.
• Whitney Houston said it best, the children are our future. Any improvements made to our current education system will improve the likelihood that students will become productive members of society.
• Our veterans have given their lives in service of our country and the least we can do is assist them in returning to civilian life with education, job creation, adequate housing and mental health resources.
• Lastly, crime in any community hurts every community. Gun and domestic violence are crimes that negatively affect families potentially leaving them scared for life. Laws like our new gun carry law further perpetuate these crimes by increasing offenders’ access and license to have such weapons.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: Vote against using public school dollars for private school, and increase the minimum wage and teacher salaries
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: Check the efficacy of solar paneling. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an uptick in solar panels being used to offset energy costs. Evaluation of this would help us see if this is a viable option for future use.
Electric cars are becoming more and more popular. Providing funding for more public charging stations as well as education to our workforce in this area for maintenance and sustainability will improve our economic development.
Partnering with university and military labs to evaluate what we can do to improve our environment and create a more earth-conscious green initiative will assist. Educating our workforce in green initiatives will also create jobs and further secure our economic development.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: Our city has been doing a great job of approving building projects for apartments around the downtown and university areas. I would encourage continuing that effort into the District 22 communities as well as projects for townhomes. The increased availability of affordable houses will drive the price of apartments down and increase the opportunity of those struggling financially to acquire housing. It will also reflect positively for the Housing Authority clients to move forward to independence. This would allow more people to be serviced in a period.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: • Vote against using public school dollars to fund private schools.
• Reestablish the funding for children from low-income housing to get lunches during the school year and summer.
• Increase teacher salaries and add incentives to attract applicants to the profession again.
• Increase the number of school resource officers by at least one or two where applicable.
• Add metal detectors in all high schools and in middle and elementary school where necessary based on the number of confiscated weapons within a year.
• Have more mental health awareness and counseling.
• Offer more career and technical education and trade certification for students who opt not to attend college but go right into securing a job immediately after graduation.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: I am not just the only woman candidate, I am also the only homegrown candidate. Being a proud product of Columbia and Richland County, I am positioned for such a time as this to be an advocate who has lived, learned, achieved and taught here for more than 30-plus years and can accurately speak to the issues that plague our society. I wear many hats and serve in various capacities that when elected will assist me in bridging the gap between the constituents and the Legislature. For example, as a retired educator and current veteran school board member, I am close with the constituents of the future and am proud to be a trusted sounding board for their issues. Finally, women make up 53% of the constituency for District 22 and 51% of this great state we call home. Unfortunately, that is not reflected in the current makeup of our Senate. Out of 46 senators, there are only six women senators, and we need more representation to protect our rights. Protecting the rights of women does not exclude the rights of men, but men should not be making decisions on what women can and cannot do with their bodies.
Rep. Ivory Thigpen
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: 1. Sensible gun laws and criminal justice legislation
As we have seen an increase in the disregard of life via violent gun crime increase in our communities, we need sensible gun laws to assist peace officers in keeping the peace. One such example is “red flag” legislation which would give courts and law enforcement a means to make our communities safer. Additionally, we need more information as it relates to use of force in our communities. Tracking this data will foster greater confidence in law enforcement and arm law enforcement with the information to make necessary and critical improvements.
2. Medicaid expansion
I believe that affordable and accessible health care is essential to every human being. Health care should be a right for all citizens and not a privilege for the wealthy. I know that thousands of South Carolinians have been denied access because of partisan politics resulting in Medicaid NOT being expanded. I will continue to work overtime to defend health care affordability and accessibility as we seek to expand and improve health care delivery where and when possible.
3. Economic development and attainable housing
Economic development is the key part of recruiting and retaining jobs. We know we are in a regional, national and global competition for landing companies. This competition is a combination of tax incentives, regulatory reasonableness and utility infrastructure readiness. Thinking long term about balancing energy needs while protecting the environment and ratepayers, we seek the symbiotic relationship that will allow all sectors to grow.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: Considering our $3.5 billion auditing mistake and our unaccounted $1.8 billion that mysteriously appeared in October, I think that the immediate change is better accounting and management of our funds. Good governance must begin with fiscal responsibility and although we have done a great job with rainy day funds and our readiness for a natural disaster or economic downturn, we still can do more. Our current allocation of funds in our state budget has become more transparent, but there are additional measures that can be taken to increase the public’s faith in how we are handling our fiduciary responsibility concerning tax payer dollars.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: This is a complex question that must be answered with complexity. As we are one of the fastest growing states in regards to population and manufacturing, we must be forward thinking in assuring that we can meet the energy demands of our state and potentially region. This is a conversation about innovation, where we explore new energy options like natural gas, solar, hydro, wind and battery in regard to stabilizing our energy grid. This is a conversation about what is most economical and most efficient both now and in the foreseeable future. We must provide programs that help our homes, especially in rural areas, become more energy efficient and place less demand on the grid. As West Coast Americans have witnessed rolling blackouts and outpaced energy delivery, we have to address our immediate needs and our future demand.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: Admitting that we have a housing issue would be first. I don’t believe that we have given enough attention or funds toward addressing this issue at any level of government. This is not to dismiss efforts but to say that more should be done. I know that MORE Justice has fought relentlessly over the past few years to create a housing trust fund. This is just one example of the assistance that could be offered to help individuals attain housing. Shelter is a fundamental part of health. Lack of proper housing creates and accelerates many health disparities. As we gratefully embrace our population growth, which is great for our state, we as a government must keep pace with assessing and meeting the needs of our growing population.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: We must ensure that we continue to increase the pay of our teachers. We must ensure proper facilities, wraparound services, benefits and support for our teachers to ensure recruitment and retention. Public education funding is essential to ensure that we have the technology and programming necessary to compete globally. We must streamline our testing and standards to allow industry professionals and experts to enhance our education delivery system. We must invest in early childhood instruction as this is the most effective and best return on investment.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: EXPERIENCE! I have served as a state legislator for eight years. During those years, I have risen to a position of leadership in the House. As chair of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, I have the relationships, the credibility, the institutional knowledge and history. Anyone else would have a deficit in process, trust and respect. Additionally, I am ALL IN! I did not seek re-election in my House seat and chose not to run for multiple seats in consideration of others and my community. I am a voice of reason, a strong and steady voice in the General Assembly who has a great deal of respect and integrity.
Overture Walker
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: Economic development: It is critical that South Carolina provides business with a climate of certainty that spurs economic investment, generates new tax revenue and gives residents an opportunity to get jobs that pay wages that enable them to care for their families. It’s also important to note that economic development and environmental protection and preservation overlap. South Carolina must also be vigilant in pursuing clean energy and green jobs that protect the environment and expand the economy.
Strengthen public education: Improving public education is a top priority. All students deserve access to a quality education regardless of where they live in our state. Among other things, we must reduce class sizes, raise teacher salaries above $50,000 a year (and increase that amount going forward), and support comprehensive reform of school funding so poor districts get the financial support needed to educate students just as other districts do. We must also improve school safety by placing adequate numbers of licensed counselors and resource officers in each school.
Health care: Whether it’s ensuring people with chronic disease get necessary care, people can achieve optimum health, mothers survive pregnancies and their babies are born healthy or women have opportunities to take care of their own health needs, it is critical that South Carolina builds a health care network that gives all South Carolinians access to quality care and a chance at improving their health. Part of that is expanding Medicaid to cover the hundreds of thousands in our state without health insurance.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: Two immediate changes I would try to make include more support for public education and increased funding for South Carolina State University.
Public education: Instead of directing public dollars toward vouchers for private schools, I would make funding and improving public education more of a priority. All students deserve access to a quality education regardless of what ZIP code they live in. Among other things, we must reduce class sizes, raise teacher salaries above $50,000 a year (and increase that amount going forward), and support comprehensive reform of school funding so poor districts get the financial support needed to educate students just as other districts do. Also, I would push for more funding to improve school safety by placing adequate numbers of licensed counselors and resource officers in each school.
Increased funding for South Carolina State: South Carolina and the Legislature have fallen far short in their obligation to support and fund one of our state’s two land-grant colleges: South Carolina State University. The U.S. Secretary of Education and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture have pointed out that S.C. State has been underfunded by our state by nearly $500 million over time. Meanwhile, Clemson University, our other land-grant institution, has enjoyed solid funding and support. This isn’t about Clemson; it ought to get state support. But so should S.C. State. We must not leave our responsibility lacking.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: South Carolina is blessed to be a growing state capable of still greater growth. But as our state continues to lure new industry and people, that growth demands that we be prepared to meet the increased energy needs. To meet those needs, we must develop new, reliable, clean sources of energy to ensure we can keep up with the growth as well as protect the environment. We must take a comprehensive look at South Carolina’s energy needs and not simply do what we’ve always done or hope to hit a home run as was tried to do via failed nuclear reactors at V.C. Summer. We must develop a thoughtful, balanced long-term strategy for meeting our energy needs. Critical to that plan would be the need to increasingly (and more speedily) develop and rely on clean and renewable energy sources of energy that not only help the environment but also reduce power bills, create new jobs and strengthen our economy.
South Carolina must be vigilant in pursuing clean energy and green jobs that protect the environment and expand the economy. Climate change is real, and it presents a real and harmful threat to our water, lands and way of life. With that threat comes rising sea levels, beach erosion, worsening storms, heavy flooding and more. We are duty-bound to support solar and other clean energy sources that work best for us to combat climate change, promote clean air and preserve our environment long term.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: Some sections of my district are growing rapidly. Growth is good, but smart growth is necessary to support sustainable development that prevents sprawl and protects the environment. One of my top concerns while on Richland County Council has been promoting smart growth to ensure we have a good balance between development, preserving the environment, and preventing sprawl. That same concern applies across our state. We must work with all stakeholders to devise a system that protects our environment while allowing for necessary development to meet human needs. That includes improving infrastructure and transportation networks. It also means making sure quality, affordable housing is available to improve the lives of families. Government should help ensure affordable housing is available for low-income families, seniors, the working poor and people with disabilities. Doing so helps alleviate homelessness and provides stable living situations for families with access to good schools and other amenities. The state should provide needed resources to the State Housing Authority as well as support local governments’ efforts to increase the affordable housing stock in our state.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: Improving public education is a top priority. All students deserve access to a quality education regardless of what ZIP code they live in. Among other things, we must reduce class sizes, raise teacher salaries above $50,000 a year (and increase them in the future as we are able), and support comprehensive reform of school funding so poor districts get the financial support needed to educate students just as other districts do. We also should improve school safety by placing adequate numbers of licensed counselors and resource officers in each school. It is critical to put teachers in a better position to do their best work on behalf of our students; teachers play an invaluable role in helping our students learn and become productive members of society. We must also develop compelling and rewarding opportunities for educators as it relates to professional development, training and other areas. It also is important to review the various responsibilities being placed on teachers to ensure they are not being saddled with duties that are not related to the education of our students.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: I have no interest in critiquing my opponents. As for me, I am a proven leader with exhibited experience in local government as well as in various community and public service roles. I will lean on that experience to help to create a state government that works for all people. I also will not simply fall in line with the status quo: One of my key desires is to help get more Democrats elected to the State House to help return political balance to the General Assembly. Democrats must learn to be uncomfortable being in such a decided minority as they currently are. We must act with urgency to bring balance to ensure all voices are heard, decisions are made, and debates take place in a manner representing the total of our state’s diverse population. Having served on Richland County Council during perhaps the biggest economic development boon in the county’s history, I know what it takes to work with local and state leaders and private industry to bring large companies such as Scout Motors to our state. Finally, I won’t be quiet and allow pressing issues to go unraised or unfair or bad policy or legislation to go unquestioned: I’ll stand up for women’s health, an expanded and more diverse process for selecting judges, the expansion of Medicaid and other issues that are basic, yet critical, to the future of our state. In short, I’ll be a consistent voice for positive change.
Senate District 23: Republicans Kennedy vs. Shealy vs. Warren
Carlisle Kennedy
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: 1. Repair our roads and infrastructure: Despite our prosperity, Lexington has the worst roads in South Carolina. Our roads crumble, while we pay to fix Columbia’s and Charleston’s. We deserve our fair share and leaders who anticipate infrastructure issues before they become dire problems.
2. Reform government: Government failed us. We must make it responsive and accountable to the people. Good judges, easier adoptions, and a more transparent, effective Department of Transportation are a few of the reforms needed.
3. Restore Trust: Politicians lied and abandoned our values. Insanity has overtaken common sense. Our rights and liberties are threatened. We need honest leaders who will boldly stand up for truth and the Republican platform with integrity.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: First, I would call a comprehensive audit of not just the $1.8 billion that our state couldn’t properly account for, but all state accounts.
Second, I would call for a transparent review of all budget expenses, each fiscal year, with specific focus on identifying wasteful or inefficient spending.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: There needs to be a balance between addressing the energy needs of our state. The balance must be maintained between 1) maintaining a healthy beautiful environment for South Carolina citizens, 2) providing low cost energy options to South Carolina citizens, 3) maintaining South Carolinians’ freedoms and access to energy options that suit their needs, and 4) anticipating the needs of a growing state to provide a sustainable and reliable power grid.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: This is a county by county issue that must be addressed by the local leaders and coordinated with the state government. County leaders should first address infrastructure and create a roadmap to success with a 10-year plan for growth. Water, sewer and roads can’t be built overnight so the county and local leadership must plan adequately so that growth does not negatively impact those who already live in certain areas with excessive traffic, utilities issues and available medical care.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: First, a good education starts with great teachers in the classroom. Not only do we need to make teacher salaries competitive with neighboring states to recruit and retain quality teachers, we also need to look at ways we can cut red tape and excessive, duplicative testing that weighs down educators and takes time away from real learning.
We also need to make sure the basic resources our students and teacher need actually make it to the classroom and facilities have optimum class sizes that allow children to grow and thrive.
Second, we need to empower parents to make the best education choices for their children. Not every student is meant to go to college. We need to not just prepare students for college but also provide them with the soft skills needed to be successful in a modern workforce.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: My campaign is based on a need for new conservative leadership we can trust. I am a political outsider that brings a new perspective. I believe it is time for fresh ideas, new solutions and someone with the energy to tackle the monumental issues that South Carolina faces head on. Voters should consider supporting me for several reasons.
1) I already have the relevant experience and skills to come into the position and get up to speed quickly and contribute to the benefit of Lexington County citizens. 2) Everything that I possess professionally is a match to the job description of a state senator. I am a lifelong conservative Republican and have a background in business and law with a degree in corporate finance and minor in accounting from Clemson University, a Master of Business Administration from Clemson University, and a Juris Doctor from the South Carolina School of Law. As a criminal prosecutor, I fought to keep Lexington families safe and I will bring all this experience to the statehouse to serve the citizens of Lexington County. 3) I have a track record of achievement, so I can guarantee that everything I do in this role will be aimed to be successful from a fiscal and legal perspective. Please visit votecarlislekennedy.com to learn more.
Incumbent Sen. Katrina Shealy
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: I have surveyed District 23 residents and their top three priorities are:
Infrastructure — The state has funded infrastructure through the gas tax as well as surplus funds over the past 11 years. There have been millions of dollars spent on our roadways and bridges with much more to do so funding is not the issue. The issue is the labor force. Finding enough contractors to do this work is not always as easy as it may appear. We want quality contractors who meet the state’s standards.
Immigration — The state has little control over the immigration issue but what we do have we are taking. We have legislation to keep undocumented immigrants from voting in our elections and making sure the proper paperwork is handled. We have a lot of migrant workers in South Carolina doing farming jobs. These are jobs that are available for South Carolina citizens but cannot be filled. South Carolina’s unemployment rate is 3.9% and plenty of jobs are available.
Education — South Carolina’s budget is geared towards education in every level from K-12 through higher education. Each year teacher raises are evaluated and over the last several years teachers have been given those raises. We need to work on retention and giving teachers more flexibility in the classroom.
My priorities are children and families, including our elderly population. That includes stiffer penalties for drug and human trafficking. I am also dedicated to working with our military, keeping South Carolina the most military friendly state.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: Immediate changes to state spending is a difficult question to answer. We can give the standard answer — more transparency — but we are transparent in how we spend money. All our line items are listed on the budget, which is posted online, and we have a balanced budget every year with the information we are provided by the treasurer and the comptroller general. Each legislator tries to look out for their district, but they are also responsible for the state. I think the public needs to better understand what happens with the budget process. I know that I had no idea until I became involved. It’s easy to criticize something you don’t understand.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: The future energy needs of South Carolina is a bigger problem that cannot and should not be solved in a rushed piece of legislation. Before my time in the Legislature we all saw what happened when the Base Load Review Act was rushed through. The lights aren’t going out tomorrow, but we do need to be more conservative and to get prepared in a constructive, conscientious way.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: South Carolina’s population growth is both good and bad. With the population growth comes new industry and jobs, but it also calls for a demand in housing, schools and utilities. Depending on what area of the state you currently live in, these demands could already be met. Housing is booming in Lexington County, but with that comes the need for more schools and more infrastructure. I think we need better planning on the front end. No one wants to turn down the opportunity for the next Scout or Amazon, but we must be sure that our infrastructure and housing can keep up. We also must offer these high-paying jobs to homegrown South Carolinians first. We have the educational facilities in this state to do that. Between four-year colleges and technical schools, South Carolina has some of the best there is to offer.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: I mentioned education earlier, but improving public education takes more than the state throwing more money at it. We do need to stay involved and fund what is needed, but parents also need to take responsibility.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: I think my record proves why voters should choose me in the upcoming election. My work in all areas has been positive in protecting the citizens of South Carolina. We have cut taxes and improved our infrastructure, and my No. 1 mission is to work to protect children in South Carolina whether it has been the Department of Social Services, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs or the Department of Juvenile Justice. My work and the legislation I have passed in the last 12 years speak for itself.
I am transparent with the work I do in and out of the Legislature. In my work at the Statehouse and my personal life, I have always been honest with the constituents of South Carolina.
Zoe Warren
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: My top three priorities are roads, illegal immigration and illicit fentanyl poisoning.
In South Carolina, the Legislature overtaxed and overspent upwards of $25.5 billion over the last 10 years. Look at our roads: Where was that money spent? On top of being taxed for services that don’t get done, taxpayers pay for claims for vehicle damage and collisions caused by our devastated highways, which further increases auto insurance rates.
President Joe Biden has effectively abandoned border security, allowing literally millions of undocumented foreign nationals into the U.S. each year. This has evolved into a true criminal enterprise. The New York Post reported criminals with ties to MS-13 allegedly sell fake IDs, Social Security cards and green cards to undocumented foreign nationals, some of whom may be involved in organized crime. We should join states like Oklahoma that penalize foreign nationals caught in their state illegally — including jail time, fines and orders to leave the state within 72 hours.
The porous border floods our country with human trafficking and illicit fentanyl. I’ve seen the horror of illicit fentanyl poisoning firsthand when it took the life of my friend and co-writer of my show “2A For Today.” It’s being laced in marijuana and even being pressed into pills to counterfeit other common medications.
These are not overdose cases. There are no dosing instructions with illicit poisons. We must differentiate “drug-induced homicide” from overdose deaths. Let me be clear: We’re not talking about pharmaceutical grade fentanyl, but poisons made by combining chemicals brought into the U.S. illegally.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: First, we need to give state agencies a budget for 24 months instead of just 12. This would give them more time and enable them to plan better. It’s a great way to combat the legislative weaponization that occurs through a technique whereby leadership uses delay tactics: to delay budget debate until the last minute as a means to prod legislators to walk a certain path. It’s the same tactic used on the federal level in the House of Representatives, and results in massive continued budget deficits. We can do better here in South Carolina.
Secondly, I would work to implement zero-based budgeting. This would end the practice of state agencies spending madly in the last few days of the fiscal year, avoiding unspent surpluses which might result in a reduced budget in the next fiscal year. I’ve heard of horror stories where in a Lexington school district the maintenance man was ordered to throw away computer printers and several boxes of unopened computer paper, so that it would not negatively affect their budget request. State employees are our servants, not the other way around, and should be held more fiscally accountable.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: South Carolina must be able to provide adequate energy to fuel our future and provide for needed economic growth. First, the South Carolina General Assembly needs to reject the Green New Deal scams being pushed by President Joe Biden and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s liberal cohort.
We must revamp our approach to economic development by working for a better balance of demand and supply of electric power. Our Legislature is attempting to central-plan the demand side by subsidizing new manufacturers and then the supply side by subsidizing electricity generation. It was just Christmas Eve 2022 that the upstate experienced blackouts, yet we are subsidizing the building and installing of electric vehicle chargers in state parks with $70 million grants. When it comes to managing our energy grid, the last people we need doing this are our state legislators. A major part of the solution is more private investment and management. Companies such as Duke Energy or Dominion know a lot more about delivering power to our homes than the 46 members of the state Senate. Central planning didn’t work in the Soviet Union, and it hasn’t been working here.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: South Carolina has much to offer, such as our quality of life, low cost of living and great overall climate. People are also coming here because the rest of the country is in bad shape. They are fleeing the Northeast and California, so we are taking on U.S. refugees from Democrat-run disaster areas. We have to recognize that our General Assembly has accelerated population growth and demand for housing by subsidizing huge new industries. These have created new jobs, drawing new people in here to take those jobs. We need to stop paying people to move here through corporate giveaways. For example, we gave $1.3 billion to a woke corporation to locate here. We could have given that money to South Carolina small business owners in the form of $50,000 grants that would allow them expand their businesses, perhaps buying a new truck or hiring a new employee. Instead, we are subsidizing woke, environmental, social and governance-promoting foreign companies then overtaxing and overspending to grow artificially and unsustainably.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: Our state’s educational system has improved greatly in recent years, but we still have a long way to go to get where we need to be. We need to look at the system holistically. Not just the bureaucratic institution, but how do we provide a good education for every child in this state? Parents are paying for their children to be educated through the public education system, but many of the administrators and bureaucrats don’t know who the real customer is: The customer is the parent. The product is an educated student.
It’s time to empower parents by democratizing the public education system through expanding open enrollment, so that parents can choose the character of public education that their children receive. We also need to support teachers by ensuring that the money actually gets to the classroom, not to bureaucrats in Columbia drafting new tests and selling data to corporations.
Do we really want our institutions of higher education to be like NYU or Columbia and other Ivy League schools right now having absolute chaos from pro-Hamas agitation and anti-Jewish hate? Our public education systems have been hijacked by corporatists and leftist ideology, teaching students to hate America and the free-enterprise system that helped build this nation.
Parents who believe in public education but want a better result for their children should have the option of enrolling their child in the public school down the road whose values and results are in keeping with what they want for their children.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: The major difference between me and my opponent is that I am not beholden to any of the special interest groups that circle the lobby in Columbia. I am the only one in this race with a PROVEN record of commitment to conservative principles, so the voters in Lexington and Republicans across the state will not have to worry about what I will do when virtue is required. They can look at the positions that I have held and the stand that I have made and KNOW that I am committed to principled, conservative ideas and the traditional values that made America great and will make our country great again.
Senate District 26: Democrats Harpootlian vs. Ott
Sen. Dick Harpootlian
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: Women’s rights: I have been a leading voice in South Carolina against Republican efforts to ban abortion access in the state. A woman’s right to choose is a sacred right, and I believe no politician should be interfering with women’s health care decisions. I will continue to fight to reverse the abortion ban in South Carolina, help women access quality care options, and ensure our rights and freedoms are protected.
Commonsense gun legislation: South Carolina has the sixth-highest rate of gun violence in the United States. We have remained one of the worst states for gun violence because of politicians like my opponent who continue to push extreme gun legislation, ignoring the warnings of law enforcement. I have and will continue to fight for commonsense gun laws that respect the Second Amendment and protect our families.
Fighting corruption in our government: I fought secret earmarks to stop the practice of legislators’ friends and relatives getting taxpayer money for dubious purposes. I spent money out of my own pocket to have an independent analysis of the Department of Commerce Panthers deal. My expert said their projections were bogus. I voted to kill it; my opponent voted for it. I asked for a Legislative Audit Council review of the DOC’s prior deals and discovered most clawback provisions were not being enforced, costing the state millions of dollars. DOC has changed its procedures. I believe the Legislative Audit Council should examine our charter school process after recent media reports of financial irregularities.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: Unwieldy spending and bad deals with private businesses are a constant theme in the South Carolina Legislature. I am working to stop these practices, having introduced legislation to end secret “pet projects” that are tacked onto legislative budgets. Long before the Carolina Panthers practice facility in Rock Hill failed, I was a vocal advocate against taxpayer dollars being used for the project, pushing to stop a $115 million tax break for the team’s billionaire owner. I also worked with the Legislative Audit Council to study the incentive programs by the Department of Commerce and ensure no additional taxpayer money was going to the failed project. Preventing our Legislature from giving massive tax breaks will allow taxes to decrease and be allocated to important resources.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: Clearly, every expert believes our state’s energy needs are going to increase by leaps and bounds in the coming decades as the influx of new residents and industries strain our existing capacity. Increased reliance on gas may be a part of the answer, but I believe alternatives such as solar, wind and modular nuclear will also be needed. I do not support the recently passed House Energy Bill H5118 unless and until a whole host of questions are answered. We also should look to assess the benefit of the huge data centers relative to the cost of increasing capacity to address their needs.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: As population explodes and housing supplies remain relatively stagnant, we need to make sure we don’t succumb to the urban sprawl that has ruined quality of life issues. The Legislature should make it easier for cities and counties to zone in such a way that limits sprawl and encourages the preservation of green space.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: South Carolina has consistently ranked in the 10 worst states for education. Our education system in this state lacks funding, investment, educators and interest from legislators. We have implemented programs to encourage working professionals to move into the teaching profession, but we have changed how they receive their retirements to be less desirable to applicants. We need a robust teacher retirement system and increased teacher salaries, allowing the most important people in our society to be elevated to a financial position they can afford. We should be substantially funding education in ways other than by ZIP code in order to achieve this.
Many politicians have set their targets on destroying our education system, trying to put it in worse shape than it already is. They have maintained an ongoing effort to attack our curricula and libraries with book bans, and intend to privatize our education system through so-called “school choice” legislation.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: Russell Ott and I fundamentally disagree on some of the most important issues facing our state. Rep. Ott has consistently joined the most conservative factions in the Legislature to pass dangerous bills to strip away women’s healthcare (five times) and allow anyone to carry a gun without a permit or any training. And he is on the payroll of the special interest group for which he used to be a statehouse lobbyist. In fact, Ott has been paid over $800,000 from this special interest group, run by his father, since being elected to the General Assembly. He then helped introduce and push its legislation through the House. I believe special interests and the far-right have enough representation in the General Assembly. We don’t need any more. I believe there should be a mandatory recusal on all votes on legislation advocated by a lobbyist principal who is paying a legislator. I intend to introduce legislation next session to mandate this recusal.
Rep. Russell Ott
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: Public education will always be my top priority. We must improve the quality of public education, regardless of where a student lives. By improving our public schools, we can solve many of the problems facing our state — from poverty to poor health outcomes to crime. We don’t accomplish that by taking public dollars and sending them to private schools — I’ve led the fight in the House against private school vouchers and I’ll do the same in the Senate.
Health care. We should have expanded Medicaid 10 years ago. The vast majority of people this would help are folks who are working — oftentimes working multiple jobs — but don’t make enough to afford to purchase insurance and don’t qualify for Medicaid. We must make health care more affordable and accessible to all South Carolinians
Managing the growth of South Carolina. We must improve our infrastructure, like water and sewer, in high-need areas — not just when we want to attract new businesses, but to serve the residents who live here. Ultimately, we need a long-term vision of what we want South Carolina to look like. We should ensure that we have opportunities for employment in all parts of our state, not just the most affluent areas.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: We must increase accountability and oversight. There’s no excuse for state government miscounting $3.5 billion or misplacing $1.8 billion in our tax dollars. We must take steps to ensure that this never happens again, regardless of who is state Treasurer or Comptroller General.
I want to find alternative sources of revenue. More revenue means we can provide more funding to vital public services, like education, and it means we can lower the tax burden placed on South Carolina families. There are a few ways to do this. We can increase revenue by increasing freedom, by legalizing sports betting or medical marijuana — both of which are already legal in most states. We can also do this by collecting more revenue by doing things like cracking down on online retailers who operate in our state without paying sales tax.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: During my time in the House, I’ve worked extensively on energy issues. I’ve been on the frontlines since V.C. Summer, when I was put on the House Ratepayer Protection Committee. When looking at these issues, my approach has always been to apply three lenses: affordability, reliability, and — to the greatest extent possible — renewability. I believe there is a way to find a balance here and ensure that we have plentiful electricity at an affordable rate while also taking care of the environment.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: It takes long-term planning. Right now, we have a lot of people moving here, many of whom are retirees. This population growth poses challenges for our infrastructure, like roads and bridges, our health care system, our housing market, and more.
As our population grows, so does the demand for housing. I support responsible efforts to build more housing units. When housing is unaffordable, that hurts working families and it leads to more people becoming homeless, which is a problem that our leaders have ignored for far too long.
My opponent said he would fight “tooth and nail” against housing for homeless veterans. That’s an example of the wrong mentality when it comes to an issue as important as housing. It should also go without saying that our veterans deserve better than that.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: We can start by ending the assault on public education, which is being pushed by out-of-state, extremist political interests. There’s nothing more important than educating our kids and we shouldn’t let that fall victim to divisive politics.
Let’s make sure that schools in every part of our state have the resources they need. Act 388 has led to funding shortages in many school districts, especially in rural areas. In recent years, we’ve made some significant investments to address these disparities, but we haven’t done enough.
I believe that public money belongs in public schools and that is why I oppose private school vouchers. We can’t afford to take away money from public schools and we shouldn’t send it to private schools, which aren’t held to the same standards.
Finally, let’s respect our teachers and treat them like the professionals they are. We are facing an historic statewide teacher shortage. Too many vacancies leads to higher class sizes, which leads to worse educational outcomes. We should pay teachers what they deserve and give them the support they need to do their jobs effectively.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: I believe in coming together and finding common ground. That’s how I’ve been effective as a Democrat in the Republican-controlled State House. It’s hard work, but I’ve gotten bills passed — something my opponent has never done during his six years in the Senate.
Unlike my opponent, I actually show up to work. I roll up my sleeves. That doesn’t always make headlines, but I believe people want a senator who doesn’t make headlines for the wrong reasons.
I believe in treating people with respect. I don’t believe it’s acceptable for an elected official to make racist, sexist, or offensive comments, which my opponent has a long history of doing. I don’t think it’s acceptable to curse out your staff, like Dick has admitted doing. We should be able to expect basic decency from the people we elect.
Senate District 26: Republicans Guerry vs. Oswald vs. Smith
Jason Guerry
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: My top three priorities are:
Promoting skilled trade education. Not all people have the means or plan to attend a four-year college/university. Learning a skilled trade will allow those who want an alternative career path to still be a productive member of society who provides a service that we all use in our daily lives. These trades like carpentry or plumbing often require hands-on training, apprenticeships or vocational education programs rather than traditional academic pathways.
Making true road improvements that aim to improve safety, efficiency and infrastructure as a whole. This will include widening roads to accommodate increased traffic flow, adding or upgrading traffic signals, signs and road markings, and installing streetlights for improved visibility at night. It will also include implementing traffic calming measures such as roundabouts, repairing potholes and cracks to ensure smoother driving surfaces, and constructing or upgrading bridges and overpasses for safer crossings. These improvements aim to create more efficient, safer and sustainable road networks for our communities, travelers and future economic development.
Addressing mental health issues. Mental health can have many complex issues that intersect in various ways and means. It’s important to note that the majority of people with mental health issues are not violent. Factors such as substance abuse, history of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and being a victim of crime can all play a significant role in mental health. Acknowledging, training people to address and providing facilities that can treat mental health issues is key.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: The top two state expenses are education and health care. These are two items that at this time we can’t cut spending on. Getting people to work and on private health-care policy could reduce Medicaid payouts over time. We will have to look at other state spending practices to reduce spending immediately. Investing in infrastructure is crucial for economic growth and the state’s overall development. Economic growth will bring in more industry and high-paying jobs, which will have a positive impact on the state’s bottom line. There are many fees collected at the county level for the state that are not being invested back into these communities. These funds could be reallocated for major infrastructure improvements to entice manufacturing companies to South Carolina. We must stop wasteful spending on state agencies that have overlapping functions to reduce the overhead cost. One example could be to combine the State Transport Police and Highway Patrol. North Carolina combined these two agencies years ago with cost savings of millions per year for the taxpayers.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: Future power generation is likely to be shaped by several key trends and technologies aimed at addressing sustainability, efficiency and reliability concerns. Some potential developments include: Renewable energy: increased adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro will lower the cost of producing energy for all South Carolina residents. Energy storage: Advancements in energy storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, will address intermittency issues associated with renewables and enable better integration into our aging grid system. Smart grids: Implementation of smart grid technologies will lead to more efficient, resilient and decentralized power distribution, including advanced metering, real-time monitoring and demand-response systems. Microgrids: Deployment of microgrid systems will enhance energy resilience and provide localized power generation and distribution, particularly in remote areas. Microgrids will help with the larger populated areas like Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce, Seven Oaks and Lexington.These are just a few things we can look at doing to avoid the 2030 power shortage we are expecting. If we don’t start to be proactive, we will definitely pay for it in the future with brownouts and higher utility prices.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: Addressing population growth, housing supply and demand requires a multi-faceted approach. Strategies could include promoting sustainable urban planning, incentivizing affordable housing development, investing in infrastructure and implementing policies to encourage balanced population distribution across the state. Additionally, fostering economic opportunities in rural areas could alleviate pressure on the urban housing markets. The housing supply can be addressed in many different ways. Incentives for builders to go into older neighborhoods revamp and update is one. We need to partner with our developers and home builders to help with demands and pricing. We need to look at all options when it comes to affordable homes. With the higher cost of homes and with current interest rates, starter homes are almost obsolete. I have two boys who recently graduated from The Citadel and struggled to find homes in the area that they could afford. Some may say that this is more of a local government issue than a state problem. With that being said, I think that your legislative delegation should work with counties to help find solutions.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: South Carolina could implement policies to attract and retain high-quality teachers. It could allocate more resources to schools in low-income areas, invest in early childhood education programs and provide support for students with diverse needs. Additionally, strengthening partnerships between schools, families and communities can create a more supportive and rewarding education environment. Parent involvement is key to increasing children’s test scores and activity in school programs. We as a state can’t just keep throwing money at the problem and expect to see a change. A good starting point would be to look at programs that are failing and determine why they are failing. What is working in one part of the state might not be right for all students. We have a diverse state with a lot of areas that need a more creative learning approach. This is a case of one shoe that doesn’t fit all, and there isn’t a universal fix to public education. We don’t need to be afraid to look at what the top 10 states in the country are doing with education and study their best practices. In my experience, it doesn’t hurt to look at what the other guys are doing. We need to listen to the teachers in the classrooms. They are the front-line soldiers in education.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: I have lived in Senate District 26 most of my 51 years. I have raised my family here and built a small business here. Over the years I have seen a lot of good and bad changes to our community. I have always been committed to the conservative ideals as a lifelong Republican. I started attending Republican meetings with my father at 10 years old. I have been involved in my community and willing to serve, whether it was helping on campaigns; coaching baseball, basketball or soccer; or helping neighbors. The time is now for South Carolina to be the leader and set the standards. This is a great state where you can take a day trip to our beautiful coast or the majestic mountains of the upstate. My faith is the driving force behind all of my decisions I make in my family and business adventures. I would be honored to serve all the citizens of District 26 and the great state of South Carolina. I believe the difference between me and my opponents in the Republican primary on June 11 is I will bring fresh ideas with a lot of energy, the adaptability to new approaches, a willingness to engage with different perspectives, and a commitment to finding a common ground for all. I have been blessed with my small business success that will give me the time and means to serve all the people of District 26.
Billy R. Oswald
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: I’ll fight to keep taxes as low as possible so hard-working taxpayers can keep more of their hard-earned money. I have a proven record of fighting tax increases as a private citizen, and I’ll keep up the fight as a member of the Senate. Every dollar that government pulls from someone’s pocket is a dollar they won’t have for grocery shopping, paying bills, taking a vacation, saving for college, or saving for retirement.
I’ll prioritize infrastructure improvement and making sure our district gets its fair share of state and federal infrastructure dollars. A well-maintained infrastructure is vital to our quality of life and our area’s economic development.
I’ll champion reforms to improve state government by reducing costs and increasing accountability. I believe in clean, open, honest, efficient government.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: I don’t believe local projects should be part of the state budget. Those projects should be funded at the local level, if at all. The $700 million for local projects in last year’s budget would have been better spent on raises for state law enforcement, teacher salaries or going back into the pockets of taxpayers.
We must be more judicious with tax breaks and incentives for businesses, setting clearly defined goals and expectations — as well as a standard for measuring results. We must remember that our hard-working taxpayers are the ones footing the bill for these tax breaks.
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: I support H 5118. There’s no question South Carolina will have a pressing need for more electricity. I don’t believe the answer is to restrict economic development.
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: We must plan ahead for our long-term infrastructure needs and moderate growth so it doesn’t overburden our infrastructure.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: I support Gov. Henry McMaster’s plans for raising teachers’ starting pay, and I think it’s what we need to do to attract top-quality educators.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: I’m a lifelong resident of this district and I have a long record of community involvement and working to make our area a better place — as a supporter of local law enforcement, as commander of American Legion Post 79, as volunteer coach and athletic director for our American Legion youth baseball team, and as a member of the Lexington Medical Center board of directors. I’m a strong supporter of local schools and have previously been recognized by both Brookland-Cayce High School and Lexington District 2 for my volunteerism. I genuinely enjoy helping others and serving my community.
I’m a proud, conservative Republican and a past chairman of the Lexington County Republican Party, and I was named “Republican of the Year” by the National Republican Congressional Committee. I believe firmly in the Republican principles of low taxes and efficient government, and I believe I’m the best choice to protect people’s wallets.
Chris Smith
Q: What are your top three priorities and why?
A: 1. Improving education. We are seeing a mass exodus out of the public education system. We need to return to the basics of reading, writing, arithmetic and science. More attention needs to be focused on the bottom third of students who struggle to achieve scholastic excellence.
2. Parental rights. As a parent, I don’t co-parent with the government.
3. Judicial reform. The way our judges are selected has to change.
Q: What two immediate changes would you try to make to state spending?
A: 1. Stop wasteful spending.
2. Accountability and transparency
Q: How would you assess and meet the state’s future energy needs?
A: Expanding existing energy resources and exploring renewable energy options
Q: How would you address population growth and housing supply and demand?
A: We must develop responsibly. In Lexington County, we simply don’t have the infrastructure in place to keep up with development. We have a very fiscally responsible county council, and there simply isn’t enough money to keep pace. Over 70% of the roads are owned by the county. We can’t keep pace with upkeeping existing roads and building new roads for development.
Q: What more should the state do to improve public education?
A: Implement programs like the Scooter Scott Project that helps our at-risk and at-need students, the bottom third.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponents in this election?
A: Having run for this seat in 2020 and coming as close to winning as anyone in 44 years, I made a campaign promise: that I would be your voice in the Statehouse. I have spent two to three days a week in the Statehouse, spending my own time and resources, advocating for the issues I believe to be important to the voters in Senate District 26. A politician will always tell you what they want to do and make promises they can’t keep, trying to win votes. A servant to the people will tell you what they have been doing.
Vote Chris Smith. A servant to the people.
