By admin 
Every Republican candidate for U.S. Senate said affordability is among the top issues for South Carolinians.
Read more Where do SC’s GOP Senate candidates stand on affordability, other top issues?
Lindsey Graham, a four-term senator, died suddenly July 11 after easily winning the Republican nomination for the seat June 9. A special primary election was scheduled to replace Graham on the November ballot.
The winner will compete against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the general election.
The election is Aug. 11, with a potential runoff scheduled for Aug. 25, if one candidate does not pick up more than 50% of votes. Early voting is Aug. 5-7 and any registered voter who did not vote in the June Democratic Party primary is eligible.
The State newspaper sent questions to all the Republican U.S. Senate candidates. All nine initially certified to appear on the Aug. 11 ballot responded in an email.
The state GOP did not certify Upstate farmer Danny Ford II, but a Richland County judge ordered state election officials to add him to the Aug. 11 ballot.
Responses were edited for length, clarity and style. Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name.
Duke Buckner
Buckner, 53, is an attorney living in Walterboro. He previously ran unsuccessfully against U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn to represent the 6th Congressional District.
What are the biggest issues South Carolinians face, and how would you address them in the U.S. Senate?
The socialist revolution stops at South Carolina’s border! If we fail to stop it, Communist Party rule I am afraid will be next. The socialist message of “free everything” is gaining more appeal because South Carolinians are being priced out of the American dream.
Housing costs, rent, food, insurance and energy prices continue to rise while wages struggle to keep pace. In addition, excessive federal spending and nearly $40 trillion in national debt fuels inflation and make it difficult for families to make ends meet.
I will address affordability in the U.S. Senate in several ways. First, I will fight to reduce spending, eliminate waste and work to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Second, I will work to eliminate burdensome regulations that drive up costs. Last, I will work to bring more business investment into the financially challenged counties of South Carolina.
Costs rose 3.5% in June and gas prices are again on the rise in the state. How will you try and address cost-of-living challenges and affordability for South Carolinians in the U.S. Senate?
An estimated 139,000 people are in South Carolina illegally. Individuals who are here illegally are competing with American citizens for the scarce supply of goods and services which includes housing. This increases demand and drives up costs. I will work to keep our prices low and affordable by making it difficult for those who are in the illegally country to remain in the United States.
Furthermore, I would support strong antitrust enforcement against companies that illegally fix prices, manipulate rental markets or create monopolies. Last, I would support legislation that promotes a free-market economy.
Why should South Carolina voters make you the Republican nominee? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I’m not a career politician, puppet or political insider. I’m a former public school teacher, newspaperman, attorney and small business owner who really understands the financial challenges South Carolina families are facing right now.
This campaign is likened to David versus Goliath. Washington bureaucrats and rich and powerful special interests want to control what happens here in South Carolina. However, South Carolinians have an opportunity on Tuesday, Aug. 11 to send a message to the powerful elites that the U.S. Senate seat in South Carolina is not for sale by voting for Duke Buckner. I’m running to restore affordability, defend our Constitution, protect free enterprise and stop the socialist revolution!
Russell Fry
Fry, 41, represents the 7th Congressional District. He lives in Horry County with his wife, son and dog. He is also running for reelection to Congress.
What are the biggest issues South Carolinians face, and how would you address them in the U.S. Senate?
The biggest issue facing South Carolinians today are rising costs, the federal government trying to tell us how we should live our lives and the need to bring jobs to rural communities.
My Families First agenda addresses this by building on the “Working Families Tax Cuts” to lower taxes and expand the child tax credit; stopping the left’s attacks on people of faith and parents who care about their children’s education; and strengthening South Carolina’s position as open for business by investing in infrastructure and cutting red tape that stands in the way of responsible growth.
Costs rose 3.5% in June and gas prices are again on the rise in the state. How will you try and address cost-of-living challenges and affordability for South Carolinians in the U.S. Senate?
The first point of my five-part plan is addressing affordability. I will fight to build on the progress we made in the “Working Families Tax Cut” by expanding the child tax credit, suspending the federal gas tax and fighting to keep more of families’ hard-earned money in their pockets.
I’ve always believed that we owe it to voters to pursue a bold agenda that secures economic freedom. I’m committed to carrying that fight with me to the U.S. Senate, and I look forward to securing that future for families right here in South Carolina.
Why should South Carolina voters make you the Republican nominee? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
South Carolinians don’t want a wallflower who is just going to collect a paycheck, hit a voting button and come home. They want a fighter who is going to roll up their sleeves, get in the arena and fight for a better future and get results for South Carolina families.
I’m that candidate, and I’m the only person in this race who has a proven record of moving legislation forward and getting bills signed into law to move the president’s America first agenda forward.
Darline Graham
Graham, 62, is serving in the U.S. Senate after Gov. Henry McMaster appointed her to finish out her brother’s term. Graham, who lives in Lexington County, previously led the state Commission for the Blind.
What are the biggest issues South Carolinians face, and how would you address them in the U.S. Senate?
The biggest issue is affordability. I know what it feels like to live on a weekly budget because I do it. I have daughters with health problems, so I know what it’s like to pay outrageous medical bills.
My brother, Lindsey, was an expert on foreign policy. I’m an expert on the family budget — because I’ve had to be.
In the Senate, I’ll fight to reduce wasteful spending, cut taxes and eliminate fraud that is often rampant in government so that the people of South Carolina can keep more of what they earn.
Costs rose 3.5% in June and gas prices are again on the rise in the state. How will you try and address cost-of-living challenges and affordability for South Carolinians in the U.S. Senate?
In the Senate, I’ll work with President Trump to bring those costs down — cutting the waste, fraud and abuse driving up government spending, stopping Democrat plans for higher taxes and more regulation and backing the policies that are bringing manufacturing jobs back home to America.
President Trump endorsed me because he knows I’ll fight shoulder to shoulder with him for South Carolina families. Together, we’ll get prices under control and put more money back in people’s pockets. We are prepared to battle Democrats who will try to stop us every step of the way.
Why should South Carolina voters make you the Republican nominee? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
President Trump gave me his complete and total endorsement because he knows I’ll fight for his America first agenda.
I’m not a career politician. I’ve spent nearly thirty years helping South Carolinians with disabilities find jobs and turning around a state agency with a $90 million budget and 130 employees.
I’m also the candidate in this race who lives like the voters. I’m not an expert on Congress. I’m an expert on the family budget — and that’s what South Carolina needs in the Senate right now.
Mark Lynch
Lynch, 67, is the owner of Lynch Appliance Center. A Spartanburg County resident, he ran against Lindsey Graham this summer for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination.
Lynch’s response did not indicate which questions he was responding to. The State broke up his answer to correspond with the questions asked.
What are the biggest issues South Carolinians face, and how would you address them in the U.S. Senate?
The affordability crisis is the number one problem facing South Carolinians. A close second is foreign and corporate acquisition of our farm land.
Costs rose 3.5% in June and gas prices are again on the rise in the state. How will you try and address cost-of-living challenges and affordability for South Carolinians in the U.S. Senate?
We must rein in our out-of-control spending in order to roll back inflation. Next, we must pursue antitrust legislation vigorously in order to fight corporate fraud, price fixing, collusion and racketeering that is driving prices higher. And we must put a stop to mega-corporations and private equity vacuuming up single family homes so we can make housing affordable again.
I would vocally advocate for an outright ban on foreign countries from buying up our farms and food supply chain.
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Why should South Carolina voters make you the Republican nominee? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
Every day in my business I have to make budgets work, which is how I grew my business 35 times over, debt free, and it’s how I go toe-to-toe with the national chain stores. That’s exactly the kind of approach we need in D.C. – someone who will go to war with wasteful spending and against rising costs. Focused and finishing with long term solutions!
I’m the best candidate to face the Democrat for precisely these reasons. Affordability is an issue for all Americans. Our business is all about serving others. That’s what we do with our customers every day. This service-minded attitude stems from understanding that my boss is the people. I work for the customer – and as senator, I will work for the voter. And I’ll always take that mentality with me into every decision.
Mark McBride
McBride, 62, is a farmer living in Oconee County. He was previously the mayor of Myrtle Beach.
What are the biggest issues South Carolinians face, and how would you address them in the U.S. Senate?
Economy, war, immigration, Social Security, national debt
On each important issue, when “we” as a country change our priorities and commit to truly “putting America first,” South Carolinians and all Americans are lifted up to a stronger economy, a stronger military and a stronger country.
Costs rose 3.5% in June and gas prices are again on the rise in the state. How will you try and address cost-of-living challenges and affordability for South Carolinians in the U.S. Senate?
Directing American resources and establishing priorities for Americans, not foreign or special interests, will address cost of living challenges and the affordability issues for South Carolinians and all Americans. Too often our national policies are directed to them rather than to US.
Why should South Carolina voters make you the Republican nominee? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
As a devout Christian and proven fiscal conservative with a 35-year track record of committed political involvement, the voters in South Carolina can be confident with what they get in their vote for Mark McBride.
Mark McBride is calling for an end to the war in Iran — bring our people and resources home. He will do the right thing and not blindly follow anyone.
The problem isn’t the economy, instead it is the war machine, foreign interests dragging us into war or the deep-state and the Faucis who try to manipulate and control us. The problem is that year after year we are putting our trust and faith in leaders who lack the courage and commitment to fight them.
Ralph Norman
Norman, 73, represents the 5th Congressional District, though he is not running for reelection to the House. He lives in York County and works in real estate development.
What are the biggest issues South Carolinians face, and how would you address them in the U.S. Senate?
South Carolinians are facing rising costs due to reckless spending, and we have a Senate where good bills go to die.
When I am elected to the United States Senate, I will fight for the America first agenda both nationally and here at home. We need energy independence to end our reliance on foreign oil, a strong military that keeps us safe and real fiscal discipline through transparency and audits to stop drowning future generations in debt.
I’ll push hard to pass the SAVE America Act to secure our elections with basic voter verification, and we must nuke the filibuster so we can actually get things done with a simple majority instead of letting everything go to die in the Senate.
Costs rose 3.5% in June and gas prices are again on the rise in the state. How will you try and address cost-of-living challenges and affordability for South Carolinians in the U.S. Senate?
High costs are crushing families. The answer is not more government spending, it’s less. We need energy independence so that gas and electricity prices come down. We need to stop the reckless, blank-check mentality that politicians have when it comes to wasting taxpayer dollars in Washington, which drives inflation.
We need to bring smart strategic manufacturing and businesses back to America and the Palmetto State, so people have good-paying jobs right here in South Carolina.
I’m a businessman, I’ve signed the front of a check, and I’ll take my experiences to the Senate to cut regulations, expand domestic production and get the federal budget under control so South Carolina families can afford to live the American dream again.
Why should South Carolina voters make you the Republican nominee? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
People don’t have to guess where I stand. I have a proven conservative record they can look up. I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk. I’m a businessman who treats public service like public service, not a career. At this critical time in our state and nation, we cannot afford to take a chance on “maybe.”
I’m ready on day 1 to fight for President Trump’s America first agenda, nuke the filibuster if that’s what it takes to pass the SAVE America Act and make sure South Carolina has a strong, consistent conservative voice in the Senate.
Glenda Gail Parker
Parker, 79, is a retired budget analyst and U.S. Air Force officer. She lives in Myrtle Beach and identifies as an independent.
What are the biggest issues South Carolinians face, and how would you address them in the U.S. Senate?
Traffic, issues caused by development, affordability issues.
Costs rose 3.5% in June and gas prices are again on the rise in the state. How will you try and address cost-of-living challenges and affordability for South Carolinians in the U.S. Senate?
By drafting legislation that will encourage decreased use of fossil fuels and provide alternatives to fossil fuel use. Less demand can lead to lower prices. This will also help lessen pollution and lead to cleaner air and cleaner water, help to mitigate weather extremes.
Why should South Carolina voters make you the Republican nominee? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
My campaign is about positive, common sense solutions.
Mark Sanford
Sanford, 66, lives in Mount Pleasant and runs a logistics business. He represented the Lowcountry in Congress twice and served two terms as governor of South Carolina.
What are the biggest issues South Carolinians face, and how would you address them in the U.S. Senate?
Unsustainable spending in Washington is the unaddressed elephant in the room. Whether in the defense budget, transportation, entitlement payments or a host of other issues important to South Carolina, our present financial course is going to lead us to real problems.
Though it took a fair amount of wrangling with the legislative body, its results were a win for the taxpayer as we were able to hold the line on spending in Columbia when I was governor, and I think I could add real value in Washington on that front. The penny plan and the Swiss break debt model need an advocate in the U.S. Senate.
Costs rose 3.5% in June and gas prices are again on the rise in the state. How will you try and address cost-of-living challenges and affordability for South Carolinians in the U.S. Senate?
Our spiraling debt is tied to affordability. The 10-year treasury has moved recently, and mortgage rates are more deeply effected by what’s happening in those markets than the Fed’s shorter term activities.
Let me raise one other unique perspective that I think is needed in the U.S. Senate: The current military operations in the Middle East are affecting affordability for every South Carolinian. I have a history, going back to 1998, with both the Clinton and Obama administrations on the constitutional and financial requirement that only Congress authorize war. This is in contrast to most of my opponents who have ceded that duty to the executive branch, and I think this is an important distinction not only for its effect for taxpayers and inflationary pressure, but with regard to adhering to the Constitution.
Why should South Carolina voters make you the Republican nominee? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
Life has a way of preparing you for moments, and the different chapters of my life have given me a unique set of skills and perspectives that could, again, better people’s lives in South Carolina. In congress and as governor, we led on limiting government. As governor, we produced record setting levels of economic development and challenge to the status quo by reforming government. I’ve shown a dedication to the unique look and feel of our state and the conservation results stand for themselves.
Finally, in life’s journey I’ve developed empathy and humility that have made me a better listener – so key to representing and advocating for others.
Samuel Shepherd
Shepherd, 73, is a chemical and biomedical engineer, inventor and entrepreneur living in Lexington County.
What are the biggest issues South Carolinians face, and how would you address them in the U.S. Senate?
The top issues facing South Carolinians are “out-of-control federal spending and inflation that is crushing families, energy costs and regulatory overreach that drive up the price of everything” and “a federal government that no longer listens to working people and producers.”
In the Senate, I would:
- Vote against every spending bill that adds to the deficit
- Push for real energy production — American oil, gas, nuclear, and advanced technologies — so we stop importing inflation
- Fight the regulatory state that makes it harder for South Carolina farmers, manufacturers and small businesses to operate
- Protect Social Security and Medicare for those who paid into them, while reforming the programs so they remain solvent for the next generation. No tax on Social Security payments.
Costs rose 3.5% in June and gas prices are again on the rise in the state. How will you try and address cost-of-living challenges and affordability for South Carolinians in the U.S. Senate?
Inflation is a tax on every working family, and it’s caused by Washington spending money it doesn’t have and restricting American energy.
My approach is straightforward:
- Stop the spending. Every new dollar printed or borrowed devalues the dollars in your pocket. I will vote no on deficit-expanding bills.
- Unleash American energy. When we produce more energy here, gas prices fall and manufacturing costs drop. That means lower prices at the pump, lower electricity bills and lower costs for food and goods.
- Cut the regulatory burden that adds hidden costs to everything from housing to groceries.
- Support policies that reward work and production, not dependency.
I’ve spent my career finding practical, lower-cost solutions in energy and industry. I’ll bring that same mindset to the Senate — not more bureaucracy, but support cutting the cost of unnecessary regulations and achieve real results that put money back in South Carolinians’ pockets
Why should South Carolina voters make you the Republican nominee? What sets you apart from the other candidates?
Most of the other candidates are career politicians or political insiders. I’m none of those things.
I’m an engineer and inventor who has actually built successful companies, created jobs and solved hard technical problems for decades. I’ve lived under the same rising costs, the same overregulation, and the same frustration with Washington that every South Carolinian feels.
I don’t need the job for a resume, or money, or a future consulting gig. I’m running because the system is broken and the people who broke it keep getting reelected.
What sets me apart is simple: I will treat the federal budget the way an engineer treats a failed system — find the waste, cut it and redesign it so it works for the people who pay the bills. Not for the lobbyists. Not for the permanent political class.
South Carolina doesn’t need another polished politician or continued nepotism. It needs someone who knows how to fix things.
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