Our Children's Education

Providing quality education and teacher pay is more than a policy focus for me, it’s personal. My great-great-grandfather, Robert Smalls, was instrumental in providing free public education for all South Carolinians, regardless of race. My cousin, Judge Harold Boulware, served on the legal team that won Brown v. Board of Education, ending school segregation in America. Today, I am the proud husband of Karla, who is a special education teacher in the Berkeley County public school system. 

Like my ancestors, I recognize the value of public education, which is why a focal point of mine in Congress will be to improve South Carolina’s lackluster status in education. Currently, our state ranks 42nd in education, which risks stunting our economic growth and ability to adequately prepare our children for their post-high school future.

My opponent, Nancy Mace, couldn’t differ more in supporting South Carolina public education if she tried. First off, she voted against expanding the Child Tax Credit, a financial tool used to support working families in America. With a 0% score from the National Education Association (NEA), the nation’s largest teacher’s union, Mace’s opposition to funding our teachers and students is crystal clear from her Congressional voting record.  While Mace has spent her time in Congress focused on attacking critical race theory, forcing schools to reopen during a pandemic, and denigrating the existence of LGBTQ+ students, Lowcountry schools have been overlooked. That won’t happen on my watch. My endorsement from the NEA underscores my commitment to our students and teachers, and if elected, I plan to support legislation such as:

• The HEAL Act 

• The Safe Schools Improvement Act

• The American Teacher Act

• The Fight Book Banks Act

• The Keep Our PACT Act

Unlike Nancy Mace, who received a failing grade from the NEA for her Congressional Voting record on education, I plan to take seriously the job of supporting teachers and students in the Lowcountry. It’s our job to provide every resource available for future generations, and if elected, I promise to champion the South Carolina public education system like my ancestors before me.