Candidates for the 35th S.C. Senate District discuss issues ahead of the November election

CAMDEN, SC (WIS) – South Carolina Senate District 35 will become a new representative after Election Day. The district consists of Sumter, Kershaw, Lee and part of Northeast Richland County.

The final two candidates running in the seven-candidate primary are Republican candidate and 36-year U.S. Army veteran Mike Jones and current Camden City Council member and former Camden Mayor Jeffery Graham.

The winner of this year’s election will take the seat currently held by Democrat Thomas McElveen.

An issue on which each candidate has expressed a position is adding another penny tax – something that has been shown on previous ballots in Sumter County.

One of the updates, if approved, would include new equipment and improvements to public safety offices and water and sewer improvements throughout the county.

“When you have match money and you do projects where you can match local, state and federal money, it usually gives you more bang for your buck,” he said. “But I know for a fact that here in Kershaw County, when we had those dollars, we could have put them towards our school for next to nothing, plus the hotel tax. We have managed to invest in our community here. So I hope voters decide to implement it.”

“I’m a little torn. I think there are definitely some things that need to be there. There are some things there that people question. People say, “Hey, we don’t maintain some of the parts we have.” Maybe we should figure out how to update them,” Jones said.

“Sumter is having some communication issues with emergency services,” he said. “If it is not modernized through a penny tax system, it is likely that they will have to raise some property taxes.”

The list of topics also included the right to abortion.

Because that final decision now rests with each state, South Carolina began enforcing a ban on most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, after about 6 weeks.

“I think the heartbeat bill was a good bill that was introduced,” Jones said. “I tend to be pro-life, but I understand that there are certain issues that need to be taken into account, and I think the Heartbeat Act did that.”

“Women’s rights have been taken away and I don’t like it. And I intend to continue to advocate for women and what they need in the doctor’s office. We have specialists who are doctors,” Graham said. “They are trained to make sure they are making the right decision for their patient. And I think it should stay that way.”

WIS News also asked candidates about school safety and possible changes to South Carolina public school curriculum.

While both candidates placed an emphasis on safety, Jones said conversations about LGBTQ+ issues in education should be delayed in schools.

“When it comes to the LGBTQ issue, when it comes to elementary school, I don’t necessarily think it should be about elementary school,” he said. “I know that many parents I spoke to expressed concern about the fact that learning takes place at primary school level. “I think as they grow up and mature and understand certain things, it will be good for their parents to talk to them.”

“I think about my education and the opportunities my parents give me. They put us in public schools. They give us the opportunity to learn about different topics… so I think it’s part of our job to provide that opportunity,” Graham said.

“It is extremely important that we allow professionals to do their job and support them in doing so every day.”

The last day of early voting is November 2.

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