As a business executive with nearly four decades of private sector experience, I know firsthand that a healthy economy can empower all members of society.

The Lowcountry’s coastline provides its residents with jobs, natural beauty, and a sense of pride. To ensure that our coastal waterways, land, and communities are advocated for in Congress, this District needs a representative who will fight every day to combat climate change and secure clean jobs that will empower our communities. We here in the Lowcountry know better than most: The threat posed by climate change is real, and we must take decisive action to protect our flourishing coastal communities from environmental disasters.

One of the most critical aspects of representing a Congressional district is ensuring that policies are in place to support and empower its working families.

When it comes to reproductive freedoms, today’s Republican party is just too extreme. They need to be reminded that a woman’s health care decisions belong between her and her doctor.

Access to affordable and quality healthcare is one of the most basic needs of American citizens.

America is a nation built on protecting self-determination and democratic values both at home and abroad, and the Lowcountry deserves representation that will help our allies continue to remain independent, prosperous, and free from malign influence.

Providing quality education and teacher pay is more than a policy focus for me, it’s personal.

The LGBTQ+ community deserves leadership that recognizes their existence and wants to empower their safety and sense of belonging in the Lowcountry.

Protection and empowerment of one of the most unique cultures in America, the Gullah Geechee community, is vital to the Lowcountry. The Gullah Geechee history of enslavement, resistance, and dedication to public service is embodied through Robert Smalls, my great-great-grandfather. Like his ancestors, I intend to give the Lowcountry every opportunity to thrive.

Immigration is a bedrock of the American dream. Instead of seeking out policy solutions, the discussion around immigration has disintegrated into racism and xenophobia by extremists such as my opponent, Nancy Mace.

South Carolina’s Lowcountry is home to crucial aspects of the American economy, both on the coast and inland. While attention has been given to coastal communities, our rural constituents have been subjected to overdevelopment, a lack of access to federal funding, and inattentiveness from politicians who claim to represent their best interests, but fail to empower rural communities to build local wealth and foster community-driven solutions.

Seafood is more than an economic strength of the Lowcountry, it's woven into our culture. That culture is at risk due to foreign competition and the lack of funding to support our local fishermen who deserve fair compensation for putting food on the table for South Carolinians. Additionally, foreign dumping of seafood such as shrimp harms the integrity of the Lowcountry. This District is sought after for its resources, including local seafood, and overlooking local workers who provide this benefit harms the essence of what makes the Lowcountry special. Failing to protect our local economy hurts all of us, which is why I am prepared to champion the needs of our shrimpers in Congress.