{"id":947,"date":"2026-06-04T10:37:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=947"},"modified":"2026-06-04T10:37:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:37:16","slug":"whos-running-in-state-house-primaries-in-lexington-county-what-are-their-views","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=947","title":{"rendered":"Who\u2019s running in state House primaries in Lexington County &#038; what are their views?"},"content":{"rendered":"<article><!-- --><!-- --><!-- WPS-5038 -- removed the script from WPS and added the placeholder for trinity player --><!-- --><!-- --><!-- --><!-- --><!-- --><!-- --><!-- --><!-- CONTENT --><!--[--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Primary elections for state House seats in this year\u2019s elections are on June 9. Early voting runs through Friday. The winners of the primaries move onto the November general election.<\/p>\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=945\">Who came out on top of The State\u2019s Lake Murray Restaurant Poll? Meet the winner<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>The State newspaper sent questionnaires to candidates in House Districts 40, 69, 88 and 96, in Lexington County and have contested primaries.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h2>House District 40: Republican<\/h2>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h3><b>Johnathan Ammons<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest issues facing District 40 is the continued struggle of our rural communities with infrastructure, economic opportunity and growth. Too many people feel like small towns are being left behind while development and investment are concentrated elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I believe we need stronger investment in roads, water and sewer infrastructure, broadband access and economic development that helps bring jobs and opportunity back into our communities. We also need to support agriculture, small businesses and workforce development so younger generations can build a future here instead of feeling like they have to leave.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>As state representative, I would focus on practical solutions that improve everyday life for working families while making sure District 40 has a stronger voice in Columbia.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Families across South Carolina are feeling the pressure of rising costs, especially at the gas pump and grocery store. While many economic factors are national and international, state government still has a responsibility to help ease the burden on working families.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I support reducing unnecessary government spending, lowering the tax burden where possible, and creating a stronger business environment that encourages job growth and investment in South Carolina. I also believe we need to focus more on energy independence and infrastructure improvements that strengthen our economy long-term.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>At the state level, lawmakers should prioritize policies that help families keep more of what they earn while ensuring taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly and effectively.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>How do you view the role being played by the SC House Freedom Caucus? Would you align yourself with that group?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I believe every caucus and legislative group plays a role in shaping policy discussions in Columbia, and I have spent time exploring the different caucuses and viewpoints within the South Carolina House to better understand how they operate and what they stand for.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>If elected, my priority will be representing the people of District 40 first and foremost. I\u2019m less interested in political labels or internal party divisions and more interested in finding practical solutions for our communities.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I intend to work with anyone willing to help improve infrastructure, support law enforcement, strengthen agriculture, create economic opportunity, and fight for working families and small towns across our district.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>At the end of the day, my focus will remain on delivering results for District 40 and being an active, accessible representative for the people I serve.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Why should your party nominate you?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Republican voters should nominate me because I represent a new generation of leadership focused on the future of District 40 and the needs of the people who live here every day.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m running because I believe our communities deserve strong representation that is accessible, engaged and focused on real issues like infrastructure, economic growth, public safety, agriculture and support for small towns.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>This campaign has been built through conversations with voters across the district who want leadership that listens, shows up and fights for the interests of local families and communities. I believe our district deserves a representative who will work hard, stay connected to the people and bring energy and focus to Columbia on behalf of District 40.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h3><b>Joe White (incumbent)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>The biggest issue facing my district is citizen distrust of the government. Politicians talk about issues every election cycle, but once elected, hide behind their loyalty to legislative leadership. I have been open and honest with my constituents during my two terms in office. I will continue to do that. \u201cThe People\u201d want transparency, accountability, and honesty from their representatives. I, and my constituency, are sick and tired of talking points and disingenuous commitments. \u201cThe People\u201d want their roads fixed, their taxes, especially property taxes, lowered and common sense governance.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I have cosponsored legislation to suspend the gas tax until prices come down. But beyond the temporary gas price issue, I believe the Public Service Commission should put a temporary moratorium on utility rate increases, and the Insurance Commission should do the same on insurance rate increases. My friends and neighbors are struggling. Their government should be sensitive to those struggles.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>How do you view the role being played by the SC House Freedom Caucus? Will you continue to align yourself with the group?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>The Freedom Caucus has led the dialogue on judicial reform, traditional family values, smaller state government, free market capitalism and individual liberty. We have moved the needle toward more \u201cWe the People,\u201d common sense state government. I will continue to align with the South Carolina Freedom Caucus when reelected in November.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Why should your party nominate you?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>The Republican Party should nominate me because I have stood for and will continue to stand for, government \u201cof the people, by the people and for the people,\u201d and against government, \u201cof the powerful, by the powerful and for the powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h2>House District 69 (Republican)<\/h2>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Candidate <b>John Allen<\/b> did not respond to the questionnaire.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h3><b>Chris Wooten<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I think the largest issue that I hear the most about is growth, roads and infrastructure. This year I helped with the charge to modernize the Department of Transportation and I feel that this is going to be huge. I have also brought back millions of dollars for infrastructure to Lexington and will again this year continue to do so.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>As chair of the Labor, Commerce and Industry Regulatory Review Subcommittee, we have worked to cut burdensome red tape from our families and businesses. Since its inception, just last year, we have already deleted more than 130 pages of regulations and stopped 30 more pages from being introduced. Overregulation from the government is costly and time-consuming for many of our small businesses and families that just want to work and support their family.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>How do you view the role being played by the SC House Freedom Caucus? Will you align yourself with the group?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>The Freedom Caucus has proven themselves to be a group of disruptive keyboard warriors that care more about keeping people scared and filling their constituents with enough fabricated scenarios to just get them back in office. I have never witnessed a group more full of hypocrisy and rhetoric in my life.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>There are a lot of really good people that I serve with that just want to serve the people of their districts. Yet they have to spend half of their time defending the lies or trick votes that the Freedom Caucus is blatantly displaying. This is a group that was founded by a convicted child sex predator and the majority of them not only contributed to him after his arrest, there were even ones that ask for him a lighter sentence.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I have no interest in ever being associated with this group of charlatans.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Why should your party nominate you?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>For eight years I have been a steady constant vote for the conservative values of the people of Lexington. I have brought common sense practices in my strong support for law enforcement, educators and small businesses. Pro-life, pro Second Amendment, pro lower taxes, pro less government intrusion and regulation, all describe why and how I continue to represent our solid conservative, Christian values in Lexington and SC.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h2>House District 88: Republican<\/h2>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h3><b>Brian Duncan<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest issues facing our district is managing growth while protecting the quality of life that makes Lexington County such a great place to live. Families are concerned about traffic congestion, overcrowded roads, infrastructure keeping pace with development and ensuring public safety continues to be a priority.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>As someone who has owned and operated a small business in our community for more than 20 years, I understand the importance of practical solutions and responsible planning. We need leadership that will work with local officials, law enforcement, schools and community stakeholders to make smart infrastructure investments while protecting taxpayers.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I also believe we must continue supporting first responders, strengthening workforce opportunities, and creating an environment where small businesses can succeed. Growth is inevitable, but poor planning is not. I will focus on commonsense, fiscally responsible solutions that protect our community, preserve our values and ensure Lexington County remains a safe and affordable place for families and businesses.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Families across South Carolina are feeling the pressure of rising costs at the gas pump, grocery store and in everyday expenses. While many economic issues are driven at the federal level, the state government still has a responsibility to help keep South Carolina affordable.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>As a legislator, I would support fiscally responsible budgeting, oppose unnecessary tax increases, and work to reduce burdensome regulations that drive up costs for businesses and consumers. We also need to continue attracting good-paying jobs and supporting small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I believe government should focus on core responsibilities and spend taxpayer dollars wisely. South Carolina has been successful because we have generally maintained a business-friendly environment and lower taxes than many other states. We must continue that approach while investing strategically in infrastructure and workforce development so families have greater economic opportunities and financial stability.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>How do you view the role being played by the SC House Freedom Caucus? Would you align yourself with that group?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=943\">Who\u2019s running in state House primaries in Richland County &amp; what are their views?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I believe every caucus and member of the General Assembly has the right to advocate for the policies and principles they believe best serve South Carolina. The Freedom Caucus has played a role in pushing discussions on government spending, transparency and conservative priorities.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>My focus, however, would not be on aligning with any particular faction or political group. My priority is representing the people of my district and working with anyone willing to advance policies that benefit Lexington County and South Carolina.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I believe voters are looking for leaders who can stand firm in their principles while also being willing to work collaboratively to achieve results. The people of House District 88 are not sending me to Columbia to play caucus politics, they are sending me to get a job done. I will evaluate every issue on its merits, listen to constituents, and make decisions based on what is best for the district \u2014 not based on pressure from political organizations or special interests.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Why should your party nominate you?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Republican voters should nominate me because I bring proven leadership experience, real-world business experience and a lifelong commitment to serving others. I proudly served our country for 20 years in the South Carolina Air National Guard, where I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, accountability and leading under pressure. Those lessons stayed with me long after my military service and continue to guide me today.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>For more than two decades, my family and I have owned and operated a small business here in Lexington County, giving me firsthand experience with the challenges facing working families, job creators and taxpayers. I understand what it means to balance budgets, create jobs and earn people\u2019s trust through hard work and integrity.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m not a career politician. I\u2019m running because I care deeply about our community and believe we need steady, commonsense leadership focused on results instead of political division. I will fight to protect conservative values, support law enforcement and first responders, defend taxpayers and ensure Lexington County District 88 continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h3><b>John Lastinger (incumbent)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Growth and the condition of our roads are the biggest issues facing our district. In just five months, I\u2019ve helped move forward a new traffic light at Princeton Road and Highway 302, helped get trees trimmed at a dangerous intersection, pushed for safety studies at two other busy intersections, and advocated for some lines to be repainted and potholes filled through the S.C. Department of Transportation. I\u2019ve built relationships with DOT so I can better advocate for our community and help move our projects higher on the priority list.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve also supported legislation to make growth pay for itself instead of sticking current residents with the bill. That includes efforts to help preserve farmland through a young farmer program, give local governments more authority to require adequate infrastructure before approving subdivisions, prohibit Chinese land ownership and stop forced city water hookups for property owners, which is now law.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I believe working closely with local leaders and school districts is important so growth is managed in a coordinated, common sense way that puts residents first.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m also a strong supporter of our first responders. I recently helped the Pine Ridge Police Department secure funding for new computers in their patrol vehicles so officers can better serve and protect our community.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Rising prices at the gas pump, the grocery store, healthcare and everywhere else are hitting working families and seniors hard. As a state legislator, I support practical steps that help people keep more of their own money. I\u2019ve supported gas tax relief every time it has been brought to the House floor, although so far there has not been enough support to pass it. I also hope stability returns overseas soon, because international conflicts have a direct impact on fuel prices here at home.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I strongly support property tax relief for seniors through the homestead exemption. The Senate voted to triple the exemption amount, which would provide meaningful property tax relief for retirees, but unfortunately the bill stalled in a House committee.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I also believe state government needs to live within its means, just like families do. Our state budget has grown faster than population and inflation, and we should focus taxpayer dollars on necessary responsibilities like education, roads and public safety instead of handing out corporate bailouts. At the end of the day, it\u2019s your money, and government should spend it wisely.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>How do you view the role being played by the SC House Freedom Caucus? Would you align yourself with that group?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>There are multiple caucuses at the State House, and the SC House Freedom Caucus is one group that advocates for conservative policies and fiscal responsibility.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m not currently a member of any caucus. When I was elected, I wanted to learn how the House works and build relationships across the board without being tied to any particular group or agenda. I\u2019ve worked with members from different caucuses and backgrounds, including Democrats, because getting legislation passed requires broad support. I see myself as a bridge builder who works to bring people together around common sense solutions.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>That approach has helped pass bipartisan bills to protect children from addictive social media practices, strengthen penalties for sexual exploitation of minors, end grade floors in schools, ban lab grown meat and protect property owners from forced city water connections.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Why should your party nominate you?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I share and live out the values that built this community and this country: faith, family and freedom. My voting record reflects these principles and a commitment to defending life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness now and for future generations.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m one of you, and I\u2019ve only been in office for five months. I\u2019ve spent 48 years pastoring and serving people right here in our community, helping families through both their joys and their struggles. My heart has always been to help people and strengthen the community we call home.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I was born and raised in Lexington County, my sons were, too, and now my grandchildren are growing up here. This is home to us, and we care deeply about protecting the values and quality of life that make our area special. It has been a tremendous honor to serve District 88, and I will continue working hard every day to represent the people of this district with integrity, common sense and a servant\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h2>House District 96: Republican<\/h2>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h3><b>Perry Finch<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>The biggest issue facing District 96 is growth and infrastructure. Our communities are growing rapidly, but our roads, utilities, schools and emergency services are struggling to keep up. Too often, development happens first and infrastructure improvements come later \u2014 if they come at all.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>We must work more closely with local governments to strengthen concurrency laws and ensure infrastructure can support growth before new development is approved. South Carolina must do a better job planning for the future instead of reacting after problems already exist. Responsible growth is possible, but it requires leadership, planning, and accountability.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Inflation continues to hurt working families, and fuel prices affect nearly everything we buy \u2014 from groceries to household goods. When fuel costs rise, transportation and supply costs rise with them.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>In the short term, I would support looking at suspending or reducing the state fuel tax while international instability continues to impact prices. South Carolina families need relief now. Long term, we must focus on responsible budgeting, reducing unnecessary government spending, and creating an economic environment where businesses can grow and keep prices competitive.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>How do you view the role being played by the SC House Freedom Caucus? Would you align yourself with that group?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>The Freedom Caucus exists because many voters want stronger conservative representation and greater accountability in government. In both parties, there are members with a wide range of views, and each represents the people of their district.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I consider myself a conservative and would likely align with many of the caucus\u2019 principles. However, I also believe effective leadership requires people to work together, solve problems and focus on results for the citizens of South Carolina. We may not always agree, but we should always be willing to work toward solutions that improve our state.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Why should your party nominate you?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I bring decades of leadership experience through small business ownership, serving as a mediator for the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and other leadership roles throughout my career.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>If elected, I will not go to Columbia looking for political fights or personal attention. I will go there to work for the people of District 96. I believe government works best when leaders are willing to listen, work hard and bring people together to solve problems.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I have the experience, work ethic and mindset to help move our district and our state forward. South Carolina has tremendous potential, and I will work every day to help make it the best it can be.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<h3><b>Hunter Hacket<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your district and how would you address it?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>The biggest issue facing District 96 is managing growth while protecting our quality of life. Roads, schools, water, public safety and local infrastructure have to keep up with the pace of growth, not fall behind it. At the same time, we have to respect property rights and avoid government overreach. I would work to make sure our area receives its fair share of transportation and infrastructure funding, support better coordination between state and local leaders, and push for responsible, intentional planning that keeps our communities safe, affordable and livable.<\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Gas prices have increased amid the war with Iran and the inflation rate reached 3.8% in April. How would you try to address affordability as a state legislator?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>State government cannot control every factor that drives inflation or gas prices, but it can control how it taxes, spends and regulates. As a state legislator, I would focus on keeping taxes low, opposing wasteful spending, reducing unnecessary regulations and making the government operate more efficiently. Families are already paying more for groceries, gas, utilities, housing and insurance. The last thing people need is a government that makes life more expensive. I would be a pro-taxpayer voice and support policies that help working families, seniors, small businesses, farmers and young people trying to build a future here.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>How do you view the role being played by the SC House Freedom Caucus? Would you align yourself with that group?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>I think they play a valuable role and Ryan McCabe in particular has been an outstanding representative. I\u2019d probably align with them on most issues. That being said, I plan to listen closely to the will of my constituents. I will commit to using newsletters and community meetings and to always return phone calls and emails. Primarily, I would seek to always put the wishes of the community ahead of the party label and caucus label.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p><b>Why should your party nominate you?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Republicans should nominate me because I am a hard-working conservative who genuinely cares about this community. I am pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, pro-taxpayer and supportive of term limits. I have lived here my whole life, and I understand the people, values and concerns of this district. I am not running to become a career politician. I am running to serve, work hard, listen and give District 96 a representative they can be proud of. No one will work harder for this community than I will.<\/p>\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=941\">\u2018He\u2019s forever 14\u2019: Carmack-Belton\u2019s parents denounce not-guilty verdict<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--]--><!--[--><\/p>\n<p>Candidate <b>Scotty Whetstone<\/b> did not respond to the questionnaire.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><!--]--><!--]--><!-- --><!-- --><!-- --><!-- --><\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read responses from Lexington County candidates in House Districts 40, 69, 88 and 96 on growth, infrastructure, gas prices and the SC House Freedom Caucus ahead of June 9.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":946,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-947","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interesting"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Who\u2019s running in state House primaries in Lexington County &amp; what are their views? 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