Early voting begins for S.C. House District 50 special election; candidates share Q&As

The South Carolina House of Representatives District 50 seat will soon be filled by either Republican nominee William Oden or Democratic nominee Keishan Scott, and voting day is fast approaching.

With early voting taking place from May 19 to May 30 and voting day for the special election coming up June 3, The Item sent both candidates a Q&A containing key questions. Scott filled out his questionnaire before the Democratic primary, which took place this past April 1. Oden, who did not have a Republican opponent, was given his questionnaire a week before publication.

Find the candidates' answers below, alphabetical order by last name.

William Oden, R

Tell us about yourself including any political experience and how long you have lived in your district.

I am a husband, father and grandfather, but most important I am a sinner saved by grace through the shed blood of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Until the age of 5 we didn't have indoor plumbing or running water. Growing up I watched my mother clean other people's homes and take in laundry from some of the wealthier folks in Indianapolis. I learned a work ethic from both my father and my mother.

I understand the struggles many families face because I've lived through them.

I moved to this district in 1982 when the Air Force stationed me at Shaw Air Force Base. I retired in 1997 and have remained an active part of the community since then.

I served as the chairman of the Sumter County Republican Party for four years.

I am on the Board of Trustees for SC State University.

I am chairman of the board for an organization named Hidden Wounds that is dedicated to helping our veterans and providing resources to reduce the number of veteran suicides in our community.

What personal or professional experiences have best prepared you for a role in the South Carolina Legislature?

I have worked as a law enforcement officer, worked in Kershaw County school district and been a college adjunct professor for Central Carolina campuses in Kershaw and Sumter counties. I have a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management and one in Computer Resources and Information Systems.

I know the importance of hard work because I've done it. I know what it means to protect our freedoms, to fight for something bigger than myself and to always put people first. For years, I led airmen and guardsmen through challenges, made tough decisions and worked as part of a team where success depended on trust, integrity and accountability. As an active-duty airman, I have been to 15 countries and multiple states. I have seen what other governments look like and will fight to make sure our government does not become like them.

For over the past four years as the chairman of the Sumter County Republican Party, I have worked with county chairmen across the state and have gotten to know legislators from both parties working and discussing with them concerns from the citizens of District 50.

What are your top three policy priorities if elected, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Economic Development

Our region needs more jobs, better jobs and must do more to retain the companies that are here. Many of the challenges we face - including crime, families, health care and poverty - can be better addressed if we build our regional economy. This includes supporting more funding for workforce development, supporting development of new sources of power and better teamwork for economic development.

Education Reform

I will advocate for school choice, better academics, teacher support and parental involvement in education.

This will include working with teachers across the district to find out their ideas on what they need to improve their ability to teach, what support they need to increase discipline in the classroom and what parental engagement is needed to help make the students successful.

I will engage local businesses to see how our schools can better prepare students to succeed after graduation. An education means little if graduates don't have real-world skills and knowledge.

I will also talk with parents across the district to find out what support they need from the schools to keep them informed on the progress of their child.

Sanctity of life

Protect life at all stages from conception to death, support expecting mothers, adoption and life-affirming options.

Working on getting more education to the public on what actually is involved with an abortion and the long-term mental effect on the woman who has one. Work on getting church and community support to assist and support expectant mothers with resources to provide an alternative to abortion. Work on having funds allocated for services to speed up the process of adoption.

How would you approach the state's health care challenges, particularly in relation to rural health services?

There are great challenges to getting affordable health care in this region, and addressing these challenges MUST be a priority.

Modern advances in telecommunication allow us to provide telehealth centers in rural areas. South Carolina State University has recently installed an OnMed TeleHealth CareStation where individuals from the university and community can come and remotely receive medical care. We need to partner with local hospitals to bring something like this to our rural communities. The use of mobile health care clinics like the RV that Prisma Health has is another way to address this problem.

I will look at the state's budget for health care to find ways to help communities to utilize present community centers to provide space for these solutions.

What is your stance on education funding and reform in South Carolina, and how do you propose to improve the state's education system?

South Carolina is ranked No. 38 in the nation in education. Across the state, just 42% of students met grade level in math and 53% of students met grade level in reading and writing; the state's goal is 75%.

We must prioritize recruiting more qualified teachers and adding teaching assistants to the classroom. This will help with improving the learning environment and discipline as well as provide a way to give dedicated instruction to the students who need it.

There are schools and districts across the state that are having fantastic results in the classroom. We should look at what they are doing right and implement those practices in our schools both statewide and in our local communities.

I am also in favor of school choice and public charter schools. Just like in any business, competition fosters better performance. A great example of a public charter school that has high standards and high-achieving students is Liberty STEAM Charter School in Sumter.

What committees or areas of policy would you be particularly interested in working on if elected?

Since I am retired from the military and work with our veterans, the first committee would be Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs.

Second would be Education and Public Works, having worked in K-12 education, served on the Board of Trustees for SC State University and been an adjunct professor for Central Carolina Technical College. This experience will allow me to bring value to this committee.

What strategies will you use to stay connected with the local community and gather feedback from your constituents?

Listening and involving others was an important part of my career and public service experience. Once elected, I will hold town hall forums where constituents can ask questions, voice their concerns and receive updates on what is happening at the Statehouse in Columbia. I have a Facebook page, webpage and a dedicated phone number where I can be contacted directly.

Can you describe a time when you had to compromise on an issue to reach a solution? What was the outcome?

Throughout my military and civilian career, there have been many instances where reasonable compromises helped get the mission accomplished. One instance was while working as a member of an advance team that went into a country to prepare for a deployment of personnel and equipment. Negotiations were conducted regarding the feeding and housing of our personnel. What we were asking for and what was available were not the same, but through compromise with both parties, we were able to come to a solution that resulted in an effective deployment and provided what was needed to accomplish the mission.

Compromise is a tool that should be used to give opposing groups a way to reach a solution that is beneficial for everyone. I believe we can - and MUST - create "win-win" solutions that benefit everyone.

Where do you see the country heading in the next decade, and how would your policies help shape that future?

I am excited about what is happening in our country now. Being a former military member, I have watched how we lost respect in other countries in the last few years. I have seen firsthand how other nations' ideals differ drastically from our own here in the United States. We as a nation are now on a path where industry is being brought back on our shores, which creates great opportunities for our region that the right leadership can take advantage of.

The securing of our borders is necessary. A country without a secure border cannot be sovereign. I know firsthand from traveling to over 15 countries that none of them will allow anyone to just cross their borders. If we continue this path, I see a United States that is strong, energy independent and respected around the world as well as able to keep citizens in this area employed and safe.

Polices that I would propose when elected would be to support continued investment in American companies, continued support for our law enforcement officers, increased support for educators, training a workforce that will support the increase in companies moving to our state and increase upgrades of the state's infrastructure.

Is there anything else you want to add about yourself?

As a husband, father, and grandfather, I've spent my life rooted in faith and service-proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force, the SC State Guard, and now answering the call to serve our community once again.

I've walked in your shoes. As a former law enforcement officer, educator and hard-working professional, I understand the challenges our families face because I've faced them, too.

Our community needs leadership that listens, solutions that unite us and a government that truly works for the people. That's the future I'm fighting for.

Together, we can build a stronger, united community where our families thrive and our values are upheld. I ask for your trust, your support and your vote. Let's get to work!

KEISHAN SCOTT, D

Tell us about yourself, including any political experience and how long you've lived in your district.

I am [Bishopville City] Councilman Keishan Scott, a lifelong resident of District 50 and Lee County. From childhood, I have been deeply involved in the forward growth and progress of this community. Whether through community service, leadership roles or advocacy efforts, my commitment to improving District 50 has never wavered. I currently serve as a city councilman for the City of Bishopville, where I have worked diligently to improve infrastructure, support economic development and advocate for equitable access to resources.

Throughout my journey in public service, I have often been the youngest person in the room - from community boards to elected office. While my opponent may view my age as a weakness, I have consistently proven that it is my greatest asset. My fresh perspective, relentless energy and forward-thinking approach have allowed me to bring innovative solutions to the table and connect with a new generation of leaders. My ability to engage with all generations and work across various sectors ensures that our community's future is bright and sustainable.

I have dedicated years of service to numerous organizations that directly impact the lives of our residents. For the past seven years, I have proudly served as a board member for the Lee County Council on Aging, advocating for the well-being of our senior citizens. Additionally, I have been actively involved in the Lee County NAACP, Lee County Relay for Life and the Concerned Clergy of Lee County, among many other organizations. These roles have allowed me to work on issues ranging from health care advocacy to community development and social services.

In addition, I am actively engaged in the Together We Can Community Coalition, which works to enhance the quality of life for underserved communities. These experiences, combined with my lifelong commitment to service, have prepared me to build a stronger, more prosperous District 50 at the state level.

What personal or professional experiences have best prepared you for a role in the South Carolina Legislature?

My experience as a city councilman has provided me with firsthand knowledge of policymaking, community engagement and the challenges that municipalities face. From an early age, I have been at the forefront of advocating for community progress, whether through civic engagement, faith-based initiatives or public service.

During my studies at the University of South Carolina, I had the unique opportunity to work in both the South Carolina House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate for a total of four years. This experience allowed me to gain an in-depth understanding of the legislative process, policy development and the critical negotiations that take place in our state's government. I worked closely with lawmakers, analyzed policy proposals and engaged in efforts to advance legislation that impacts communities like ours. This hands-on experience in both chambers of the General Assembly has given me a deep appreciation for the complexities of state government and prepared me to be an effective legislator from day one.

As a minister, I have dedicated my life to community service, uplifting others and empowering people to be their best selves. My role as a faith leader has allowed me to work closely with individuals from all walks of life, offering encouragement, guidance and support to those in need. Through this work, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing our community and have been committed to fostering positive change at every level. My ability to inspire and engage people has strengthened my leadership, making me an effective advocate for progress and opportunity in District 50.

What are your top three policy priorities if elected, and how do you plan to achieve them?

- Health care equity: I will push for expanded rural health care access, including improved telemedicine services and funding for rural health clinics.

- Workforce development: I will advocate for stronger job training programs, partnerships with local businesses and policies that support fair wages and economic growth.

- Education reform: I will fight for increased funding for public schools, expansion of technical education programs and policies that empower educators and students alike.

By working with bipartisan coalitions and prioritizing community-driven solutions, I will ensure that these policies translate into meaningful change for District 50.

How would you approach the state's health care challenges, particularly in relation to rural health services?

Rural communities like ours suffer from limited health care access, provider shortages and hospital closures. I will advocate for Medicaid expansion, funding for rural health clinics and telehealth investments to bridge these gaps. Ensuring that residents have affordable access to care will be my priority.

What is your stance on education funding and reform in South Carolina, and how do you propose to improve the state's education system?

I strongly support increased education funding to ensure that students in all communities, including rural and underserved areas, receive a high-quality education. Every student, no matter where they live, deserves access to the best resources, teachers and learning opportunities.

I will advocate for higher teacher salaries, investment in STEM and technical programs and enhanced early childhood education opportunities. Education is the foundation of economic mobility, and I am committed to reforming policies that create disparities in our school system. By ensuring that funding is distributed equitably, we can strengthen our schools and provide every child in South Carolina with the tools they need to succeed.

What committees or areas of policy would you be particularly interested in working on if elected?

I would be particularly interested in serving on the following committees:

- Education and Public Works

- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

- Government Efficiency and Legislative Oversight

These areas align with my commitment to strengthening education, health care access and government accountability for District 50.

What strategies will you use to stay connected with the local community and gather feedback from your constituents?

Staying connected with my community is not just a duty - it is who I am. I have spent my entire life engaging with people at every level, listening to their concerns and advocating for solutions that matter to them. As a leader, I believe that true representation begins with accessibility and accountability.

I will continue to be present and engaged - not just during election season but every single day that I have the privilege to serve. My commitment to direct engagement, open communication and transparency will remain steadfast.

I will also leverage community partnerships and work alongside local leaders, organizations and grassroots advocates to ensure that policy decisions reflect the needs of the people. Additionally, I will establish consistent opportunities for dialogue, whether through town halls, community forums or digital platforms, to keep the conversation going and ensure that every voice in District 50 is heard.

Can you describe a time when you had to compromise on an issue to reach a solution? What was the outcome?

A great example of collaboration and perseverance came with the planning and implementation of Fall Festival 2024 - the first community-oriented fall gathering that the City of Bishopville has had in many years. Despite facing numerous challenges during the planning process, we remained committed to delivering a power-packed, community-focused weekend that embodied our theme: "Unity in the Community."

Through strategic problem-solving and collaboration with various stakeholders, we overcame obstacles and successfully hosted an event that brought over 1,500 people together to celebrate, connect and embrace a renewed sense of unity. This festival proved that, despite challenges, when we work together and stay focused on the bigger picture, we can achieve great things for our community.

Where do you see the country heading in the next decade, and how would your policies help shape that future?

Our country is at a crossroads, and the decisions we make today will shape the next decade. I believe that investing in education, workforce development and health care access will be critical to ensuring that South Carolina remains competitive and prosperous. By prioritizing economic opportunity, infrastructure improvements and community-driven policies, we can build a future where every resident of District 50 has the chance to thrive.

Is there anything else you want to add about yourself?

I am running for the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 50 because I believe in the power of community, the strength of unity and the promise of progress. Together, we can build a brighter future for District 50.