Meet your congressional candidates in District 2, District 6 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 seven Republican and Democratic congressional candidates from Districts 2 and 6 in Lexington and Richland counties below. U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale, faces a Republican primary challenger and two Democrats are vying to face the winner in the fall in District 2 while U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-Santee, did not draw a challenger in the Democratic primary but will face one of two Republicans from the GOP primary in the fall in District 6. Early voting in the primary election 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 congressional district here. View a map of all the districts here. If this public service helps, please consider supporting our journalism here.
Congressional District 2: Republicans Redmond vs. Wilson
Hamp Redmond
Q: What will be your top domestic and top international priority in Congress?
A: My top domestic priority in Congress is to secure and control the border. Our safety and security depend on it.
Internationally, my primary focus is addressing China’s multifaceted threat to the U.S., which includes:
Promotion of fentanyl poisoning causing countless American deaths;
Illegal marijuana cultivation in the U.S., harming forests and ecosystems;
Purchasing U.S. farmland, often to spy on military facilities;
Sending military-age men across our border;
Establishing illegal CCP “police stations” in our cities;
Communist indoctrination in higher education through Confucius Institutes; and
Aggressive behavior toward our allies, like the Philippines.
It’s foolish to treat China as a mere competitor when we’re facing an undeclared all-out war. Addressing these threats is essential for national security.
Q: How would you balance the changing climate with economic and energy concerns?
A: How would you balance concerns over our climate with our economic and energy needs?
Many are swayed by environmental propaganda, overlooking practical solutions for sustainable energy. It’s crucial to educate the public. Currently, natural gas is the most reliable energy source available. However, nuclear energy stands out as a powerful and dependable alternative. Despite concerns about nuclear waste, advancements in technology are making it increasingly manageable.
Green energy sources like wind and solar are often undependable and less environmentally friendly than advertised. The extraction of lithium for batteries involves harmful strip mining, and the disposal of windmill and solar panel parts poses significant challenges. Additionally, reliance on these sources empowers China, a geopolitical adversary. Wind and solar energy storage is problematic, and these technologies can fail during extreme weather events. Moreover, wind turbines impact bird populations and marine ecosystems.
Energy is the backbone of our country. As we grow, particularly with the push for electric vehicles, our energy grid must evolve to remain reliable. This necessitates a shift towards deregulating the energy industry to promote innovation and efficiency.
Prioritizing nuclear energy offers a long-term, sustainable solution. With proper investment and regulatory reform, nuclear power can provide a stable and clean energy source. Liquefied natural gas remains a critical component of our energy mix for now, but continuous research and development will likely yield superior options in the future.
Deregulating the energy industry and prioritizing nuclear power are essential steps toward a dependable and environmentally sound energy future. With them, we can ensure a robust energy grid that supports our nation’s growth and technological advancements.
Q: What changes would you make to U.S. immigration policy?
A: Immigration should be limited to legal pathways. We can only streamline legal immigration and determine appropriate annual quotas after securing the border, ending illegal immigration and deporting criminal illegal aliens.
We must hold nongovernmental organizations accountable for fueling the border crisis and end the incentives driving illegal immigration. That includes canceling illegal alien work permits, requiring E-verify, cracking down on identity theft and Social Security fraud, and ending subsidized or free housing, medical care and welfare for illegal immigrants. By taking these steps, we can regain control of our immigration system and ensure it benefits the country.
Editor’s note: The State has a policy to refer to people who cross the border illegally as undocumented immigrants, avoiding words like “illegal” to describe them. We make rare exceptions for direct quotes or official documents. Hamp Redmond’s answer was published as submitted after he was offered the opportunity to change his language and declined.
Q: In what circumstances and how late in pregnancy should abortion be legal?
A: Personally I’m against abortion, but I believe it’s between the woman and God. I feel South Carolina’s current law strikes a nice balance.
Q: How do you view the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and their aftermath?
A: Jan. 6 highlighted Americans’ frustration with a government prioritizing special interests over citizens. This event underscored growing mistrust in elected officials who seem more focused on their own agendas than public service, threatening democracy. Many believe our electoral system lacks transparency, leading to apathy and disengagement. The perceived lack of election integrity fuels this discontent.
I firmly support our First Amendment rights. Freedom of speech, assembly and petitioning the government are crucial for holding leaders accountable. These rights enable citizens to voice frustrations and demand change, pushing back against corruption. We must exercise these rights to voice frustrations with corrupt politicians and demand better from our leaders.
Voting is a powerful tool to hold politicians accountable. By voting out those who prioritize their interests over the public good, we can bring about needed change. In conclusion, Jan. 6 was a reminder of the frustrations many Americans feel towards their government. The mistrust in elected officials and perceived lack of election integrity are issues that need addressing. Upholding and exercising our First Amendment rights is crucial in demanding accountability and fostering a government that truly serves its people.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: South Carolinians should vote for me because I prioritize America First, not Ukraine First, and I would never vote to take away your constitutional rights as Joe Wilson did by supporting FISA. Unlike Wilson, who supports Joe Biden’s wasteful agenda, I will fight against reckless spending that adds to our nearly $35 trillion debt.
As a builder like President Donald Trump, not a career politician, I will fight for the working men and women. I despise the political swamp. Born and bred in South Carolina, I plan to return home every chance I get to be your true voice in Congress.
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson
Q: What will be your top domestic and top international priority in Congress?
A: My top priorities are to create jobs, reduce inflation and help democracies defeat dictators. I support policies to reduce inflation, while President Joe Biden’s policies of spend, borrow and tax have produced a 40-year high. The average family has been assaulted with Biden creating a 19 percent reduction in the value of family income being nearly an additional annual cost increase of $12,000 for basics of groceries, housing and energy.
I have a lifetime record of working for creating jobs with local Chambers of Commerce and serving on the State Development Board (now Commerce Department) for Michelin in Lexington with Gov. Jim Edwards, state Senate job initiatives for BMW and UPS with Gov. Carroll Campbell, and now in Congress supporting President Donald Trump with tax cuts creating jobs while supporting Gov. Nikki Haley to create 8,000 jobs at Boeing with suppliers in the Midlands gaining hundreds of jobs.
International policy is Democracies Defeat Dictators with Peace Through Strength as achieved by Ronald Reagan. President Trump helped rebuild our military. In the Middle East, I led the congressional delegation to open for the Trump decision the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem leading to the Abraham Accords. To stop war criminal Vladimir Putin, I supported the Trump initiatives of Javelin missiles to Ukraine, U.S. troops in Poland, and stopping Nord Stream 2 financing of Putin.
Q: How would you balance the changing climate with economic and energy concerns?
A: I want America to achieve energy independence without subsidies. President Joe Biden’s energy policies destroy jobs as on his first day he stopped the Keystone Pipeline, which was facilitated by Michelin tires made in Lexington for shale recovery.
Ever since, Biden’s 2022 cannibalizing of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, 2024 stopping of liquified natural gas exports and recent smothering of energy development in Alaska have put American families at risk. Since Biden took office, we’ve seen the price of gas more than double due to his extremist policies.
Biden is forcing dependency on energy sources controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. His shortsighted policies can be replaced by all of the above energy with the free market, not government subsidies for politically well-connected insiders.
President Donald Trump established energy independence so important for lower prices and national security. America can replace war criminal Putin sales to Central and Eastern Europe stopping intimidation by Putin as he invades with mass murder across Ukraine threatening Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Estonia and Poland.
Q: What changes would you make to U.S. immigration policy?
A: We need to enforce the existing laws.
As a former immigration attorney, I saw firsthand the positive laws we have as I promoted legal immigrants to achieve the American Dream of opportunity.
We do not need new laws or to change laws except to stop Biden from subverting laws we have. His executive orders and gruesome failures to enforce existing law has every American at risk of attack as we sadly saw with the killing of Laken Riley.
Opening the borders to known terrorists is insane. Three years ago, as I visited Del Rio, Texas, Border Patrol agents were not able to acknowledge crossings, but now we know hundreds on the terrorist watchlist have been discovered at the southern border. Now tens of thousands of military age young men and women from dictator countries have crossed as illegal aliens with more 9/11 attacks likely, if not imminent, on American families as warned repeatedly by the FBI. [provided link]
Legal immigrants are a blessing for America, but illegal aliens are criminals who should be deported.
Editor’s note: The State has a policy to refer to people who cross the border illegally as undocumented immigrants, avoiding words like “illegal” to describe them. We make rare exceptions for direct quotes or official documents. Rep. Joe Wilson’s answer was published as submitted after he was offered the opportunity to change his language and declined.
Q: In what circumstances and how late in pregnancy should abortion be legal?
A: I will always fight for a strong pro-life agenda to protect the unborn.
Abortion is a state issue and I commend Gov. Henry McMaster with the South Carolina General Assembly for addressing the matter in accordance with public input.
I am pro-life with the state law provisions. Sadly, the Democratic Party has adopted the extremist acceptance of infanticide with killing the baby up to birth.
Q: How do you view the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and their aftermath?
A: The events of Jan. 6 showed irresponsible conduct without adequate Capitol security.
The mob action of Jan. 6 is inexcusable and the lack of security at the U.S. Capitol that day is unexplainable. President Donald Trump requested additional Capitol security, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was responsible for Capitol security, did not act. Having been in the Capitol that day I knew security should have been reinforced and bizarre threats were not foreseen or taken seriously.There are cases of weaponization by the federal government for some arrested in connection with Jan. 6. All tapes of the day should be released and if any government intelligence personnel failed to act, they should be identified.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: I stand for limited government, expanded freedom and a strong national security.
President Donald Trump’s endorsement of my record of public service promoting successfully jobs across South Carolina is meaningful.
I am dedicated to limited government and expanded freedom and national security as evidenced by my voting record. Ever-growing government must be challenged to promote citizens having power for their own lives without government officials being all-powerful.
As a 31-year Army veteran myself with four sons who have served in the military in Iraq, Egypt and Afghanistan, I will fight for Peace Through Strength.
Just as Ronald Reagan achieved victory over communism, I know America with its allies will defeat dictators of rule of gun invading democracies of rule of law. Sadly, Biden appeasement in Afghanistan continues the global war on terrorism from the safe haven of Afghanistan to American neighborhoods with attacks likely, if not imminent, across America as warned by the FBI.
I am optimistic for the future of America, having faith in the American people to stand for freedom with the principles of our Constitution.
Congressional District 2: Democrats Robinson vs. Shrief
David Robinson II
Q: What will be your top domestic and top international priority in Congress?
A: My primary goal as a member of Congress is to address the inflation that is currently affecting our nation. Despite the flourishing economy, families are not feeling the improvement of the economy when they buy the basics like food. Therefore, it is imperative that we find a viable solution to this issue.
As a retired U.S. Army veteran, it’s also my priority to defend our democracy and support and create legislation that expands American rights, enhances voters rights, and defends reproductive rights and other civil rights.
Additionally, I am concerned about finding solutions to the missing American crises that our nation faces each year. My family and I have been personally affected. My son, geologist Daniel Robinson, is among the more than 600,000 Americans who go missing every year. That’s more than 1,600 a day, many of them children, and 40% of the missing are people of color though Black Americans make up 13% of the population. There are more than 270 South Carolinians currently missing, and the year has just begun. It’s an American crisis that affects us all. I will fight for all missing Americans.
In conclusion, as a member of Congress, I am committed to addressing the challenges facing our nation. I believe that by working together, we can find solutions that will benefit all Americans. We must build our nation from within to be competitive and secure on the international stage.
Q: How would you balance the changing climate with economic and energy concerns?
A: As children, many of us were taught by the dairy industry, which dumped millions into our education system, that its products were essential for daily consumption. This propaganda was successful, and we now consume more dairy products than ever. Climate change is real and affects South Carolina’s coastal regions and other areas.
Education is critical in understanding how our lifestyle choices and technological advancements impact the planet. We need to invest in education and awareness, as people can only support what they understand. By creating new majors and subjects in schools and colleges, we can prepare for a future that is less reliant on fossil fuels, and build an industry that will provide jobs for generations to come. Although change takes time, these efforts will set us on the right path.
Q: What changes would you make to U.S. immigration policy?
A: The issue of immigration has been a persistent problem for our country. Despite multiple attempts by Congress to address it, there have been no long-term solutions. One of the major hindrances to finding a solution is the partisan divide. Additionally, personal feelings often cloud commonsense proposals to the problem, which is a misguided approach to policy. To find solutions for our immigration policies, we must change our attitudes and focus on what works.
Q: In what circumstances and how late in pregnancy should abortion be legal?
A: The abortion issue has gripped the nation in debate. Since there are a lot of factors involved in what should or should not be the legality of abortion, a narrow approach is not a feasible solution. Circumstances on abortion differ on the medical needs of a patient, so those needs should be under the discretion of a doctor and the mother who’s carrying the child. I don’t believe that Congress should be in the business of making medical, spiritual or religious decisions for Americans. Programs and education for alternative approaches should be explored.
Q: How do you view the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and their aftermath?
A: I can view the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in one way: an attack on our country and way of life. As a combat soldier who joined the Army at the height of 9/11, I feel a responsibility to uphold my duty and responsibility to this country, which I swore to do when I raised my right hand. At Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), I was sworn into the U.S. Army to defend our Constitution and our country against foreign and domestic enemies. I will continue to defend our Constitution and our way of life.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: Over the course of several years, communities in the second congressional district of South Carolina have experienced unequal representation. Certain communities have witnessed little to no growth, while others have experienced moderate growth. The lack of equal representation has been identified as a significant hindrance to the district’s economic growth, which necessitates immediate attention. Given that District 2 serves as a link to every community, it is imperative that every link in the chain be strong to ensure the chain’s overall strength. Consequently, I will focus on repairing the broken chain by investing in the working and middle class. It is essential to ensure that individuals in these classes receive livable wages, and there should be no more excuses as to why the minimum wage cannot be raised. Furthermore, infrastructure is another critical area that requires attention. Example: There is no justification for our roads’ poor condition compared to other regions. It is crucial to ensure that federal aid reaches all communities, particularly those that need it the most. Education is also a top priority, given that South Carolina ranks among the least educated populations. It is necessary to prioritize our schools and programs to keep pace with rising technological trends. Additionally, we must invest in small businesses and offer incentives and grants to members of communities of color to conduct business within their community. This approach guarantees that the money remains within the community, promoting growth. Ultimately, a thriving economy depends on everyone’s success.
Daniel Shrief
Q: What will be your top domestic and top international priority in Congress?
A: I want to travel to Russia and speak to president Vladimir Putin to see how I could help him resolve his predicament. I want to go to Pyongyang and talk with supreme leader Kim Jong Un and see if we could bring some goodwill to his country by helping the people of North Korea with their food shortages. Streamline our military and keep our NATO alliance strong. Domestic priority? Stop fraud, waste and abuse and of course most importantly make sure our children have food. I’m a supporter and a platelet donor for the Red Cross and the Shepeard Community Blood Centers. We need to have people volunteer to donate to keep adequate supplies of blood products to handle any emergency.
Q: How would you balance the changing climate with economic and energy concerns?
A: Support the federal Pollution Prevention Act. I want to travel to countries throughout the world and see firsthand how they are handling their climate concerns and compare what they are doing to what we are doing and put together a synopsis of how we as world citizens can do better for the coming man.
Q: What changes would you make to U.S. immigration policy?
A: I support the Immigration and Nationality Act. Get down to the border states to see firsthand what’s really going on down there and all across all our borders. Talk to the immigration people and get recommendations from the border policemen. And try to put together an action plan to make immigration legal.
Q: In what circumstances and how late in pregnancy should abortion be legal?
A: The woman who is pregnant needs to sit down and weigh this thing out. Nobody can tell a woman whether she should have an abortion or not. It’s between her and her god.
Q: How do you view the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 and their aftermath?
A: I’ll answer this question with a writing from my book, “The Modern Writings of Daniel J. Shrief.” I wrote this right after the incident: It’s foggy today. The Earth feels like it’s far away. People are still celebrating the holidays, but the realization of this new order in this world today is that it is not the same as it was yesterday. The leadership is messed up. The capital has been turned upside down and rightside up by people who were trying to do what they thought was right but it was VERY wrong in hindsight. The only thing that counts is that the god of our fathers mans a watchful eye on our towers and uses his powers to eliminate the wrongdoers and the perpetrators of evil by inundating us with prayers and love and gives us a second chance in this life to earn a everlasting peace and tranquility in his heavenly kingdom far above.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: I can’t tell voters who to vote for or who not to vote for. The only thing I can say is if I get this chance at this job I’ll stay in Washington and do the best I can to help people in my district, and I will be available for them anytime.
Congressional District 6: Republicans Buckner vs. Scott
Duke Buckner
Q: What will be your top domestic and top international priority in Congress?
A: My top domestic priority will be to get the rate of inflation under control so prices for food and gas will come down. My top international priority will be to stop the invasion at our southern border of people from adversarial foreign countries.
Q: How would you balance the changing climate with economic and energy concerns?
A: I would identify the most efficient energy sources that have the least adverse effect on the environment.
Q: What changes would you make to U.S. immigration policy?
A: End the Biden’s administration’s open border policy. I would also place a moratorium on further asylum seekers.
Q: In what circumstances and how late in pregnancy should abortion be legal?
A: The issue of abortion should be left up to the individual states and is not within the purview of the federal government. However, I believe strong families and population growth are essential to our long-term national security. Therefore, I propose free prenatal care including baby delivery services of choice for all women who are U.S. citizens regardless of income.
Q: How do you view the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 and their aftermath?
A: The events at the U.S. Capitol on. Jan. 6, 2021 were not the peaceful transfer of power which we are accustomed to and which is one of the cornerstones of our republic. Therefore, we must restore confidence in the outcome of our elections by ensuring that we have election integrity.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: I will bring about a positive change for the 6th Congressional District. However, my opponent Cong. James Clyburn is an 83-year-old career politician. He has been in office for over 30 years. Yet his district is the poorest in South Carolina and one of the poorest in the U.S. He has held high rank in Congress, yet his district is still known for its “corridor of shame.” He supports “Bidenomics,” yet gas and food prices are up and real wages are down. Mr. Clyburn voted for the 1994 Clinton crime bill that hurt communities of color and exploded the prison population with a disproportionate amount of Black men. I will bring youth and vitality to the representation of the 6th Congressional District and convert the “corridor of shame” to the “corridor of “fame.”
Justin Scott
Q: What will be your top domestic and top international priority in Congress?
A: My top priority in Congress, which would have effects both domestically and internationally, is term limits for members of Congress. Term limits should be capped and after your term of service you head back to the private workforce. No more career politicians. The current status quo has done nothing to benefit American citizens. This may have a more direct influence on domestic policy. So to add internationally it is time to reduce subsidies to foreign countries.The policies of spending billions of dollars abroad make no sense when we currently sit over $34.5 trillion dollars in debt as a country.
Q: How would you balance the changing climate with economic and energy concerns?
A: Production of a country is directly tied to carbon dioxide output due to increased demand in electricity and fossil fuel usage, simply because you create more carbon dioxide as your production and economy grows. Currently our electric grid is strained. Sustained production cannot be achieved through electrical usage only. Furthermore fossil fuels need to be burned to facilitate increased electrical demand. Without another sustainable source, if you cut fossil fuel usage to meet climate goals, you are effectively capping economic growth. Our grid infrastructure cannot withstand the demand to make the large move from fossil fuel consumption to mostly electrical production. This is a transition that requires time and a lot of moving parts to make work, so setting goals to achieve climate change and energy concerns cannot be done without affecting economic output.
Q: What changes would you make to U.S. immigration policy?
A: Shut the border down and deal with issues created by years of mismanaged immigration policy. This is not a new issue but nothing is ever done to deal with the issue. Mostly because they do not know what to do with immigrants already in the country from years past. What I can tell you is the free flow of illegal immigrants across our border is unsustainable and potentially a life-threatening issue for the citizens of the United States. This is a national security issue, and it is the responsibility of the federal government to protect citizens of the country. They are derelict in their duties and American citizens are the ones who pay the price.
Editor’s note: The State has a policy to refer to people who cross the border illegally as undocumented immigrants, avoiding words like “illegal” to describe them. We make rare exceptions for direct quotes or official documents. Justin Scott’s answer was published as submitted after he was offered the opportunity to change his language and declined.
Q: In what circumstances and how late in pregnancy should abortion be legal?
A: I agree with South Carolina law and the heartbeat bill which bans abortion after around week five or six and later. If we are taking the temperature of the nation and working on federal abortion policy, taking that into account and trying to find a reasonable compromise with states that allow abortion up until birth, I would not support a federal bill allowing abortion after 12 weeks.
Q: How do you view the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and their aftermath?
A: The events on Jan. 6, 2021, are a political ploy with events being obfuscated from the American citizenry. There are 44,000 hours of video surveillance that quite frankly belong to the American people. You cannot make a truly informed opinion on the events at hand without knowing what truly took place. That surveillance video belongs to us and the American people should be able to view it to be fully informed of what transpired that day. This, in my opinion, is another national security issue due to the voters not being fully and transparently informed of events that took place. That is the people’s house where this event took place, and we have a right to know exactly what went down in the hours before, during and after!
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent in this election?
A: I am a candidate that believes in the Constitution, and I believe in the U.S.A! I have studied issues and ongoing events for years in our political realm. We need a candidate to stand for the average everyday hard-working American. For too long, our voices have been silenced at the will of the political elite! Enough is enough. Vote Justin Scott June 11, 2024.
Congressional District 6: Democrat Clyburn
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn
Q: What will be your top domestic and top international priority in Congress?
A: Next year will mark 10 years since the tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston that took the lives of nine parishioners and injured three others as they participated in a Bible study. Closing the deadly loophole that allowed the shooter to purchase a gun without completing a background check remains top of mind for me.
I have introduced the Enhanced Background Checks Act in Congress since 2015, and it passed the House and died in the Senate both times. I’m committed to continuing my efforts to close the Charleston loophole to ensure these dangerous weapons stay out of the wrong hands.
Reflecting on international affairs, I recall an encounter with an older Black woman I met during a voting rights event at the First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. She said that she understood that voting rights was the issue that brought me to Alabama, but if we do not stop Putin, voting rights won’t matter.
History teaches us that there are global consequences to be had if we allow would-be dictators and autocrats to tramp on our rights. Today, the war is in Ukraine, but tomorrow, it could be in the home country of one of our NATO allies, or God forbid, on the soil of the United States of America. I will continue working to ensure our allies continue to receive the aid they need to defeat Russian president Vladimir Putin, preserve democracy, and support our national interests at home and abroad.
Q: How would you balance the changing climate with economic and energy concerns?
A: Extreme weather events across the country, and indeed the world, provide clear, and I believe, convincing evidence, that we must address climate change. I proudly voted for President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which contained the largest American response to the climate crisis. This historic legislation will enable a clean energy transition that makes investments in electric vehicles, battery technology and clean energy like nuclear power. It provides rebates and tax credits for consumers to purchase energy efficient appliances and electric vehicles, respectively. As we make this transition, we must be careful not to leave underserved communities behind.
Q: What changes would you make to U.S. immigration policy?
A: I support comprehensive immigration reform that would not only secure our border and enforce already present immigration laws but also address access to legal immigration pathways and the status of undocumented immigrants already living and working in this country. I am in total support of the bipartisan border security agreement that Congressional Republicans turned their back on.
Q: In what circumstances and how late in pregnancy should abortion be legal?
A: I strongly believe that decisions about reproductive care should be made by individuals in consultation with their doctors. It is imperative that we protect the autonomy of women and the health care options available to them with the compassion, empathy and respect they deserve. I supported the guidelines as outlined in Roe v. Wade and hope the decision will once again become the law of the land.
Q: How do you view the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and their aftermath?
A: Jan. 6, 2021, was an insurrection, clear and simple. The violence that unfolded that day was directly incited by the 45th president, who attempted to disrupt the peaceful transition of power and undermine the will of the American people to unjustly hold onto political power. He and his allies may not have succeeded, but they did significant damage for which we must hold them accountable if we want to continue this nation’s pursuit of “a more perfect union.” If we fail to do so, I fear the world’s greatest democracy will fail.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your eventual opponent in this election?
A: I maintain that the best predictor of future behavior is past performance. My record of delivering real results for South Carolinians is well documented. In this fiscal year, I was able to help secure $233.2 million for community projects to address inland flooding, provide telehealth to rural residents, expand critical infrastructure, and more.
I was the only member of the South Carolina delegation to support the American Rescue Plan, which provided more than 1 million South Carolinians with enhanced Child Tax Credit payments, expanded access to health care, reopened schools, kept businesses afloat to help the state recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and provided $400 million for broadband internet.
According to the governor, because of my efforts, South Carolinians will achieve affordable, high-speed broadband internet for every household and business in the state over the next three years.
I was also the only South Carolina House Member to support the Inflation Reduction Act, which is helping 1.2 million seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries in South Carolina save money on prescription drugs and insulin costs. From the moment I was elected president of Sumter’s NAACP Youth Council at the age of 12, I have been learning that we all have roles to play in our nation’s pursuit of perfection. Ours is a great country, in no need of being made great.
We must do the things that are necessary to make our country’s greatness accessible and affordable for all, and if reelected, I will continue that pursuit.
