Attorney General (R): Stephen Goldfinch, David Stumbo

STEPHEN GOLDFINCH

Why are you running?

I'm a veteran, a military prosecutor, a judge advocate general, a conservative senator and a businessman. I have the experience and qualifications to handle all three divisions of the attorney general's office with dignity and honor. I want to be the next attorney general because I can be highly effective for South Carolina, a place I love dearly.

Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:

S.C. House (2012-2016), S.C. Senate (2016-2026)

Where and how long have you lived in South Carolina?

Horry, Georgetown and Charleston counties, my whole life

Current job/profession:

S.C. senator and attorney

What makes you qualified for the seat?

The AG's office has three divisions: 1) the criminal division; 2) the civil and administrative division; and 3) the legislative division. As a military prosecutor, I've worked extensively within the criminal justice system. As a civil and administrative lawyer in my private practice, I've fought the government and the agency-state for a living. And as a conservative senator, I've crafted, voted for and funded the tools to give prosecutors what they need to hold criminals accountable.

What challenges/concerns do you see in South Carolina (up to 3), especially relating to Sumter and the Midlands, and how do you intend to improve them?

The violent crime backlog, which is approximately four to five years in Sumter County, is a serious problem, but it is also a serious problem statewide. When we have four- to five-year backlogs of violent crime, much of the evidence goes stale and the defendant often goes free, re-victimizing victims repeatedly. To solve this, I would install 20 or more deputy AGs across the state and start working these backlogs down.

What successes have you seen that you want to build on?

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force and the immigration task force have both been successful at the AG's office, and I would build upon that leadership.

Are you actively involved in your community? How so?

In addition to serving in the state Senate, I serve in the National Guard, and my wife and I both are active and serve our church (Coastal Church of Murrells Inlet).

DAVID STUMBO

Why are you running?

I'm running for attorney general to keep South Carolina families safe and uphold the rule of law. As a career prosecutor with over 20 years of experience, I've dedicated my life to putting violent criminals, drug dealers and predators behind bars. I'm running to take that experience statewide - defending the Constitution, supporting law enforcement and ensuring justice is delivered for victims across South Carolina.

Have you run for political office before? If so, explain:

Yes. I was first elected solicitor for the Eighth Judicial Circuit in 2012 and am currently serving my fourth term, representing Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens and Newberry counties.

Where and how long have you lived in South Carolina?

I was born and raised in South Carolina and have spent my life here. My family and I live in Greenwood, where we have built our lives and raised our children.

Current job/profession:

Eighth Circuit solicitor (chief prosecutor) and career criminal prosecutor.

What makes you qualified for the seat?

I bring more than two decades of prosecutorial experience, including serving as solicitor for the Eighth Circuit, a prosecutor in the South Carolina Attorney General's Office and a supervising prosecutor for the Statewide Grand Jury. I've prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases and worked alongside state and federal law enforcement to protect our communities. My entire career has been spent in the courtroom fighting for victims and upholding the law.

What challenges/concerns do you see in South Carolina (up to 3), especially relating to Sumter and the Midlands, and how do you intend to improve them?

1) Violent crime and public safety - Keeping communities safe remains the top priority. I will continue to aggressively prosecute violent offenders and support law enforcement to ensure criminals are held accountable.

2) Drug trafficking and fentanyl - Drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, is impacting families across South Carolina. I will work with local, state and federal partners to target traffickers and dismantle these networks.

3) Protecting victims and vulnerable populations from human trafficking to crimes against children - protecting victims is critical. I will ensure strong prosecution of offenders and continue efforts to safeguard vulnerable populations across our state.

What successes have you seen that you want to build on?

As solicitor, we have strengthened public safety efforts across the Eighth Circuit and implemented innovative programs like the Veterans' Treatment Court to help address underlying issues while maintaining accountability. I want to build on these successes by expanding effective, results-driven approaches to improve safety and justice across South Carolina.

Are you actively involved in your community? How so?

Vanessa and I are very active in our community and church. We have been blessed to be a part of and give our time and resources extensively to pro-life organizations, crisis shelters and substance abuse recovery ministries over the course of our 26-year marriage. Serving people is what we have been called to do by the God who rescued us, so we will continue to walk in that regardless of whether or not I am elected to be the next attorney general.