Dear Friends:
Welcome to a recorded setting edition. This is my 500th newsletter! Dang, that’s a lot of writing.
Since 2010, I’ve churned out this weekly newsletter during the legislative session, and when we are not meeting at the State House, it’s published as news warrants. It started with a handful of readers, and that has grown to more than 10,000 direct subscribers, many of whom share it with their political friends. The reach continues to grow on social media sites.
My motivation comes from a strong belief that government transparency is paramount. That’s driven by my 42-year career in the television news business. To you, readers, I say thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to stay informed about state government and policies that impact you. Now, on to the news…
The Unending Legislative Session
This year’s regular legislative session has wrapped up, but our work isn’t finished. We remain in overtime. Minutes after the regular session concluded on May 14, Governor Henry McMaster called the General Assembly into a special session, primarily to address congressional redistricting occurring in numerous states.
The Redistricting Mess
South Carolina won’t be joining other states that have been aggressively redrawing congressional districts to strengthen their political influence in Washington after the U.S. Supreme Court made it clear that partisan objectives and political considerations may also be factors in the process, prompting states across the country to reevaluate their maps to ensure compliance with updated constitutional standards.
The SC House passed the Trump-inspired Congressional redistricting map after three days of fierce debate. Just past midnight last Wednesday, the bill was sent to the Senate by a vote of 74-36.
Senate Rejects Proposed Congressional Map
In a significant turn of events, the Senate yesterday rejected the proposed congressional map for the 2026 election, defying pressure from the White House to establish seven reliably Republican districts. This decision came as thousands of voters participated in primary elections across the state, marking one of the highest turnout rates in recent history.
Despite the Senate’s Republican supermajority, they were unable to secure sufficient support to limit debate and advance a vote on the new congressional map. In a show of bipartisan opposition, twelve Republican senators joined all twelve Democrats in voting against the motion to curtail debate, effectively killing the bill.
This outcome signals a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussions about electoral representation and party dynamics within SC.
Taking Stock of the Legislative Session
A year ago, I wrote that the first year of this legislative session was consequential. The same applies to the second year. I’m proud of the results we delivered this year.
This legislative session, we fought for freedom, families, and a more affordable South Carolina, passing major conservative legislation to lower taxes, improve public safety, fix our roads, strengthen schools, defend constitutional rights, and grow our economy.
From historic income tax relief to cutting red tape and investing in infrastructure, House Republicans remained focused on putting South Carolina families first and continuing to move our state in the right direction.
Together, the General Assembly passed more than 265 bills this legislative session while advancing a responsible, balanced budget that provides over $1 billion in tax relief, all without raising taxes.
We began this session with promising results, and we delivered.
The Final Days
The past few weeks have been incredibly busy at the State House. The House worked late into the night during the final week of session to make sure key conservative legislation made it across the finish line and onto the Governor’s desk. From protecting children and supporting law enforcement to improving schools, fixing roads, and cutting red tape, we finished the session strong and continued delivering on the promises made to South Carolina families.
Here are a few major bills recently signed into law by Governor McMaster:
SCDOT Modernization (S.831) – Speeds up road projects, reduces congestion, cuts government red tape, and modernizes transportation planning across South Carolina.
Stop Harm from Addictive Social Media (SHASM) Act (H.4591) – Protects children online through stronger parental controls and restrictions on addictive social media features targeting minors.
Pregnancy Care Tax Credit Act (S.32) – Encourages support for pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, and organizations helping mothers and families across South Carolina.
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Penalty Increase (H.4804) – Increases penalties and strengthens consequences for repeat child exploitation offenders while closing dangerous legal loopholes.
Disclosure of Intimate Images (H.3058) — Strengthens protections for victims of revenge porn and AI-generated explicit image abuse by increasing criminal penalties and holding offenders accountable.
Truth in Grading Act (H.5073) — Restores accountability in schools by ensuring grades reflect actual student performance and classroom achievement.
AI Child Abuse Protections (S.28) — Makes AI-generated child sexual abuse material illegal and gives law enforcement stronger tools to protect children and crack down on predators.
Fargo’s Law (H.3034) — Increases penalties for harming police K9s and horses that serve alongside law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
Roadside Markets Bill (H.5097) — Reduces unnecessary regulations on local farmers and makes it easier to sell fresh South Carolina-grown products.
Street Takeover Crackdown (H.4292) — Gives law enforcement stronger tools to stop dangerous street takeovers and keep our roads and communities safe.
Veterans Homes Expansion (H.4799) — Cuts red tape so veterans’ homes can expand more quickly and improve access to care for those who served our country.
What Policy Experts Say
Rather than taking my word for labeling this legislative session as “consequential,” here is how the policy experts at the Palmetto
Promise Institute provided in their initial evaluation of legislative accomplishments:
Education was on the front burner all session, and the sheer volume of education legislation passed was significant. At the top of that list was the passage of the bill that not only rescued the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) from a bad Supreme Court decision but also expanded school choice eligibility. The legislature also mandated the live streaming of school board meetings, banned grade floors, and cleaned up the public charter school authorizer (sponsor) section of the state code.
Free Market & Economic Opportunity saw not only a dramatic cut in the individual income tax but further collapse of the individual brackets and taking back control from the feds on how state tax liability is calculated. A low, flat tax—1.99% or a 0% rate—is on the way if spending can be controlled and growth sustained.
The General Assembly called for the state-owned utility Santee Cooper to finish VC Summer Reactors 2 and 3 by turning the project over to the free market, which the utility did. It passed major legislation that chipped away at the socialistic Joint & Several Liability concept, but more must be done in 2027. Long-overdue DOT reforms were passed that should attract private investment and reduce congestion in the nation’s fastest-growing state. Regulatory freedom, which is in conference committee as of this writing, will yield expected positive results, including better review of agency regulations and a pullback from the disastrous Chevron deference.
Of course, one of my personal favorites was the passage of the Hands-Free Driving legislation that I championed for eight years. It went into full effect in late February, and there is already evidence that it is reducing wrecks, injuries, and deaths.
Sine Die
The General Assembly has now adjourned Sine Die, officially concluding the regular legislative session for the year. However, we will return to take a final vote on the state budget for the coming fiscal year, starting July 1. We will also return to vote on various bills currently in conference committees and decide whether to override or sustain the Governor’s vetoes.
BREAKING NEWS:
MUSC Primary Health Clinic Coming to Wagener and Eastern Aiken County
After more than two years of planning, design work, and regulatory preparation, a new mobile health clinic is set to launch in Wagener as part of a pilot program that could serve as a model for underserved communities across South Carolina.
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC Health) is expected to publicly debut its specially equipped mobile primary care unit on June 15th. In the weeks leading up to the debut, the unit will be on-site one day a week as part of a soft-launch preparation. The unit, customized by Vanna Mobile Medical, is handicapped accessible and includes a separate exam room. It is designed to bring the same care and services offered at traditional medical practices into rural communities. (LEARN MORE IN THE NEWS RELEASE)
More Aiken County News
Prayers Answered! Thank you, GOD, for the weekend rain that’s helping quench the thirst of SC’s drought. And, thank you, God, for pausing the rain so Aiken’s Memorial Day parade could proceed. Thanks also to the Aiken County Veterans Council, which organizes the parade. It was another patriotic display to remember those who gave their lives in defense of America.
Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony in Aiken was the most heartfelt I’ve ever attended. The keynote speaker, LTC Aaron Schwengler (U.S. ARMY), provided a moving experience. With 30 years of service, he’s still on active duty. LTC Schwengler shared his combat experiences and then called on each of us to listen and help returning soldiers as they make the difficult adjustment to civilian life. The most startling statistic — more than 17 veterans commit suicide each day. Veterans need our understanding and help.
Rep. Charlie Hartz and I celebrated Aiken County’s super-achieving students. To kick off the annual awards ceremony for the Aiken Scholars Academy, we presented a State House Resolution recognizing the Academy for earning the prestigious 2025 Blue Ribbon School designation from the U.S. Department of Education, and for being ranked among the top 10 high schools in the nation! The recognition reflects the Academy’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. Congratulations!
The Old Vaucluse Road bridge over I-20 in Aiken County reopened to traffic last week. The bridge crashed to the ground on Father’s Day last year when a tanker truck was forced off the road, striking the bridge. In the aftermath, it took only 36 hours for SCDOT crews and contractors to clean up debris and resume traffic flow. I joined SC Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell, Rep. Melissa Oremus, and others at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project’s completion. The new bridge was designed and constructed in 11 months! Thank you, SCDOT.
Gary Stooksbury, who recently retired as CEO of the Aiken Electric Cooperative after more than 30 years, was awarded THE ORDER OF THE PALMETTO at the Co-Op’s annual meeting. Members of the Aiken Legislative Delegation made the presentation on behalf of Gov. Henry McMaster. This is SC’s highest honor, awarded by the Governor to South Carolinians who demonstrate extraordinary lifetime achievement, service, and contributions of statewide significance.
At the Aiken Electric Co-Op’s annual meeting, we also honored Lynn West for her 43 years of exemplary service with a Resolution from the State House. Lynn is retiring from her position as Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO. It became a family business — Lynn’s two sons pursued careers with other co-ops.
A tip of the cap to the Aiken County Republican Party. In the run-up to early voting, the local party organized the Aiken Stump Rally. It was a huge success! Candidates for Congress, Governor, Attorney General, other statewide Constitutional offices, and State House District 86 gave their stump speeches to an enthusiastic crowd. Aiken Legislators have endorsed Lt. Gov. Pam Evette to be SC’s next Governor.
Tommy Paradise, who is vying to succeed me in representing House District 86, overwhelmingly won the straw poll among attendees.
It’s Time to VOTE!
Early voting for South Carolina’s Primary Election is underway and runs through June 5. This is a crucial opportunity to make your voice heard ahead of the June 9 election!
In Aiken County, four early voting polling stations will be open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations: Aiken County Government Center, 1930 University Parkway; H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, 1700 Whiskey Road; Couchton Baptist Church, 3171 Wagener Road; North Augusta Community Center, 495 Bookside Ave.
Why Your Vote Matters
Historically, voter turnout in Primary Elections is low, with only about 15% of voters participating in 2024. This low turnout means missed opportunities for your voice to be heard. Given that Republicans hold a supermajority in state officeholders and legislative districts, the candidate who wins the Primary Election often secures the position in the November General Election. Your vote truly counts! Make sure to show up to vote early or on Election Day, June 9.
My Candidate Endorsements
I believe it’s essential for each voter to evaluate the candidates and make their own informed choices. However, I often receive questions about whom I support. So, here’s my endorsements:
I wholeheartedly endorse Tommy Paradise to succeed me in representing House District 86. With 25 years as a lawman serving with Aiken Public Safety, Tommy has the experience, knowledge, and dedication of a true servant leader. He has also served five years as the Edgefield County Administrator, and is currently the Planning Director for the vibrant city of North Augusta. If elected, Tommy plans to retire from his current role to serve as a full-time legislator, just as I have.
For Governor, I support Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, along with nearly the entire Aiken Legislative Delegation. She’s a hugely successful entrepreneur, building a start-up into a national company. She has served alongside Gov. McMaster for 8 years. She’s a Conservative who will bring her business experience to the Governor’s office, making state government more efficient in meeting the needs of its citizens.
My Attorney General favorite is David Stumbo. A lifelong conservative, David is a proven prosecutor who has spent his entire career fighting crime, putting criminals behind bars, and making our communities safer. He’s supported by many sheriffs, including Aiken County’s Marty Sawyer, and our Solicitor, Bill Weeks. (Don’t be fooled by candidate David Pascoe. He switched political parties last year. He’s a lifelong Democrat who supported Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton.)
As Agriculture Commissioner, Cody Simpson will be a strong advocate for SC farmers. As a fifth-generation South Carolina farmer, he is endorsed by President Trump and Governor McMaster. Cody recently completed service as the SC State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency. Prior to his appointment, Cody served as Agriculture Advisor to Gov. McMaster.
On the federal level, I support Sen. Lindsay Graham and Congressman Joe Wilson.
Photo of the Week
This is your invitation to join in honoring the Late Rep. Roland Smith, whose dedicated service to Aiken County will be memorialized in a road naming ceremony this Friday at 2:00 p.m.
