CAMDEN, SC (WIS) – South Carolina Senate District 35 will have new representatives after Election Day. The district consists of Sumter, Kershaw, Lee counties and parts of Northeast Richland County.

The last two candidates standing in the 7-candidate primary were Republican candidate and 36-year U.S. Army veteran Mike Jones and current Camden City Council member and former Camden mayor Jeffery Graham.

The winner of this year’s election will take over the seat currently held by Democrat Thomas McElveen.

One issue on which each candidate expressed their position was the addition of a penny tax, which had appeared on previous ballots in Sumter County.

If approved, either update would bring new equipment and facility improvements to public safety offices and add water and sewer improvements throughout the county.

“When you have matching money and you have projects where you can match local money, state money and federal money, you generally get more bang for your buck,” he said. “But I know for a fact that here in Kershaw County, when we get those dollars, we are able to put every penny back into our school, as well as the lodging tax. Here we were able to invest in our community. So I hope voters will choose to deliver on that.”

I’m a little torn. I think there are definitely things that need to happen. There are some things people question. People say, ‘Hey, we’re not maintaining some of the existing parts we have.’ Maybe we should figure out how to keep them up to date,’” Jones said.

“Sumter has some communication issues with 911 responders,” he said. “If it’s not raised through the penny tax system, then they’re probably going to have to raise some of their property taxes.”

Abortion rights also graced the list of topics.

Since the final decision is now up to each state, South Carolina began banning most abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, after about 6 weeks.

“I think the heartbeat bill is a good bill,” Jones said. “I’m more of a pro-life person, but I understand there are some considerations and I think the heartbeat bill does that.”

“Women’s rights have been rolled back and that’s okay with me. And I will continue to stand up for women and what they need in the doctor’s office. “We have professionals who are doctors,” Graham said. “They’re trained to make sure they’re making the right decision with their patients. And I think that’s where it should stay.”

WIS News also asked candidates about school safety and what changes, if any, are needed in South Carolina’s public school curriculum.

While both candidates prioritized the importance of safety, Jones said issues related to LGBTQ+ issues in education should be postponed in schools.

“I don’t think the LGBTQ thing should be in elementary school until elementary school,” he said. “I know many parents I have spoken to have expressed concerns about this at the primary school level. “I think as they get older and mature and start to see things a little more, it’s good for their parents to talk to them.”

“I think about my education and the opportunities my family allowed me. They placed us in public schools. They give us the opportunity to learn about different topics…so I think it’s part of our job to provide that opportunity,” Graham said.

“It is extremely important that we let professionals do their job and support them in this every day.”

The last day for early voting is November 2.

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