My paternal grandfather grew up, on the ridge, in Batesburg; the proud son of a postmaster and school teacher. He enlisted and served in the army during WW2 in both the European and Pacific campaigns. He returned to Batesburg and opened Kennedy’s Men’s Store on Main Street of Batesburg. After 78 years, it’s still there today.

My family has made Lexington and Edgefield/Saluda counties our home for over 250 years going back to our great ancestor Josiah Padget who was born about 1750, served in the American Revolution in Butler’s Company of the South Carolina Militia, and was once considered the largest man in Edgefield county (section that is now Saluda county) (1800s)

My Mother and Father raised me in Batesburg-Leesville taught me the importance of Faith in God, having strong character, and a strong voice. My Mother and Father led by example.

In 2000 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down school-sponsored public prayer at high school football games, but the Batesburg-Leesville school board resisted. 

Under My Father’s leadership as chairman, the School Board passed a resolution stating that it would not, quote, “prohibit a student from voluntarily delivering an invocation or prayer before school events.”

After their decision, the School Board and Mr. Kennedy came under a lot of criticism by the liberal media for their decision upholding Students’ Rights.  The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) even threatened a lawsuit if the board did not rescind their resolution saying, “We feel that it’s a violation of the 1st Amendment. And it’s a direct violation of the Santa Fe U.S. Supreme Court decision that was passed in June.” 

My Father and the board then consulted with a number of attorneys who specialize in constitutional issues and a national firm offered to defend the school district for free if a lawsuit was ever filed. 

The School Board stood strong and there was never a lawsuit filed against the school district.

This act of courage, where the board stood their ground, set a precedent in the State of South Carolina in which the State Legislature later passed a resolution which continues to preserve this Right for Our Students to Pray.

That is Why I am Running. To do the right thing, to fight for Our County and Our Communities. To stand up against the never-ending attacks on Our Constitutional Rights and Our Personal Freedoms. Like my forefathers in WW1 and WW2, and like my father who fought the multi-million dollar special interest groups so that high school students maintained their Right to Pray. 

It is time for me to step-up and fight the good fight like my fathers before me. 

I have degrees in: 

• BS in Corporate Finance with a minor in Accounting from Clemson University, 
• MBA Masters in Business Administration from Clemson University, and  
• JD Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law
• (Please see my LinkedIn profile for more detailed information.)

And have worked jobs from chicken houses to financial wealth management and criminal prosecution. I have experience in business creation , management, law enforcement, and private practice. My considerable experience shares 1 common thread – I am always fighting for people. My education and experience has refined those skills and I now volunteer myself to work for you. To fight for you at the State level against a Government that must be kept in check and held accountable to its actions.  

These last 4 years have seen unthinkable things and terrible policy decisions made by the entrenched politicians.

As a Conservative Republican, I’m deeply concerned about the direction we’re heading. Misguided policies, attacks on the traditional values we share, erosion of Constitutional rights and disregard for our cherished liberties – the need for change is evident. 

As a criminal prosecutor in Lexington County, I witnessed the devastating impact of crime on individuals, families, and communities. I’ve seen the scourge of dangerous drugs brought across the border right here in Lexington.  We need common sense leadership that backs law enforcement, prioritizes infrastructure before growth, provides workforce development that promotes prosperity, and safeguards the traditional values that make Lexington County great. 

With my wife and I expecting our first child, Our prayers have finally been answered. With a baby on the way, the stakes for me are personally higher than ever. I’m running to safeguard the freedoms and rights we cherish today for the sake of our unborn child and all future generations.

Together, let’s fight Big Government, and build a stronger future for our families and our community!