Why I’m running: Benjamin Smith, SC Dist. 18

By Benjamin Smith
Candidate, SC House Dist. 18

I jumped in the race for State House 18 because not a single Democrat has run for this seat in over a decade. 

I am a Christian, and I believe that when the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, it’s freedom for people of all religions and not just the faith that I practice. I promise to protect your right to worship or not worship as you please. 

I believe that absolute power corrupts, which is why our founders created a system of checks and balances. Unfortunately, our state has given absolute power to the Republican Party in both the executive and legislative branches since 2002 and the system in Columbia has become corrupt. It’s time for the checks and balances to return. It’s time for diverse representation that looks out for all of us.

We are ranked 44th in education and last for state roads. I am running to move our state forward. We can no longer accept a political system that leaves people behind. We can no longer accept politicians who are out of touch with the working class. It’s time for a change. 

I will work with teachers, experts, and education advocates to ensure that  education is our number one priority. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and they deserve to be treated as such. They should not have to supply their classrooms out of their paychecks, they should  be making at least $40,000 a year to start with sufficient annual pay raises, and they should have representatives who listen to their concerns and make policy that helps them do their job instead of telling them how to do their job. I will focus on funding for early childhood literacy programs and ensure that taxpayer funding for education goes to public schools. I will vote against any bills that implement school vouchers!

The current representative for State House 18 voted for the gas tax, which was supposed to pay to fix our roads. If you drive down the roads in our district and across the state you will notice that they are filled, but it is potholes they are filled with. Our taxpayer dollars are not going towards infrastructure where it is needed! I will make sure all roads in need of repair are included in the budget so everyone benefits.

Finally, I will fight for equal rights for all. This includes making sure that we pass Hate Crime Legislation and that we take all measures necessary to end minority and LGBTQ discrimination. We are a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people. It’s time that we implement laws that reflect that.

I am Benjamin Smith, and I am your candidate for State House 18. This race is about you, your family, your neighbors, and your friends. This race is about all of us because we are better together. You can interact with me at www.smithforschouse18.com, by email at smithforschouse18@gmail.com, or on Facebook. I look forward to representing you.


Be the change you want to see: Help the party with a much-needed donation or volunteer to help!