2020 LGBTQ Voters Guide

2020 LGBTQ Voters Guide

Get The Facts Before You Vote

Welcome to the 2020 LGBTQ Voters Guide for South Carolina! Since 2012, we’ve compiled candidate research and endorsements to help you cast an informed vote. LGBTQ South Carolinians make up a substantial voting block and our voice matters in elections.

Endorsements from SC Equality come in two forms:

  • Congressional and Presidential candidate endorsements are made by the political advocacy arm of our organization (SC Equality Coalition).
  • State and Local candidate endorsements are made by the political action committee arm of our organization (SC Equality PAC)

Get The Facts Before You Vote

Welcome to the 2020 LGBTQ Voters Guide for South Carolina! Since 2012, we’ve compiled candidate research and endorsements to help you cast an informed vote. LGBTQ South Carolinians make up a substantial voting block and our voice matters in elections.

Endorsements from SC Equality come in two forms:

  • Congressional and Presidential candidate endorsements are made by the political advocacy arm of our organization (SC Equality Coalition).
  • State and Local candidate endorsements are made by the political action committee arm of our organization (SC Equality PAC)

YOUR VOTE MATTERS

Our 2020 Voter Guide: Your Vote is Your Voice

SC Equality’s 2020 Voter’s Guide includes candidates for federal, state and local elections.  Our endorsements are made by SC Equality Coalition (501(c)4) for presidential and congressional races and by SC Equality PAC (Political Action Committee) for all state and local elections.  
SC Equality’s 2020 Voter’s Guide includes candidates for federal, state and local elections.  Our endorsements are made by SC Equality Coalition (501(c)4) for presidential and congressional races and by SC Equality PAC (Political Action Committee) for all state and local elections.  
Presidential

We proudly endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States.

Biden vs Trump

Candidates for President of the United States are endorsed by SC Equality Coalition, a 501(c)4 political advocacy arm of SC Equality. Click the link above and see why. 

Presidential

We proudly endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States.

Biden vs Trump

Candidates for President of the United States are endorsed by SC Equality Coalition, a 501(c)4 political advocacy arm of SC Equality. Click the link above and see why. 

Congressional

Jaime Harrison

U.S. Senate

To Jaime Harrison, character always matters, hard work is in his bones, doing what’s right is a way of life, and making good on his debt of gratitude to South Carolina is a lifelong commitment.

The son of a single teenage mom, and raised by his grandparents in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Jaime overcame the challenges of grinding poverty with the help of teachers and mentors who believed in him. From a mobile home to Yale University and Georgetown Law, Jaime never forgot who he was or where he came from.

Learn more about Jaime Harrison

Rep. Joe Cunningham

1st Congressional District

“A year ago, I was proud to help pass the Equality Act through the House but we still have more work to do,” said Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-1). “I’m honored to be endorsed by SC Equality Coalition and look forward to standing with them in the fight for equality for all.”

“I believe in equal protection under the law for everyone, no matter who you are, or who you love. We have made so much progress towards equality under the law and in our society as a whole, but there is still much that we can do to improve the climate for our LGBTQ community. Let’s pass the Equality Act and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity with regard to employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service–so that everyone can participate equally in all aspects of American life.”

Learn more about Joe Cunningham

Adair Ford Boroughs

2nd Congressional District

With an eye toward supporting hard-working, low-income families like those she grew up with, Adair Ford Boroughs has always known who she’s fighting for. From growing up in a double-wide trailer in Williston, South Carolina, to representing the American people in the U.S. Department of Justice, Adair has gone after cheating corporations and millionaires, ensured access to affordable legal services, and brought justice to grieving families. She has used her talent and intellect to forge change and solutions that help regular people. Adair is committed and rooted to the people of South Carolina. Her perspective and work ethic is needed in Congress.

Endorsed by Rep. Jim Clyburn; Mayor Steve Benjamin, Columbia; Former Governor Richard “Dick” Riley; Former Governor and First Lady Jim and Rachel Hodges; Rep. Todd Rutherford, House Minority Leader; Inez Tenenbaum, Former S.C. Superintendent of Education.

Learn more about Adair Boroughs

Rep. Jim Clyburn

6th Congressional District

Last year, with the crucial support of House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, the U.S. House passed the Equality Act, historic and crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit, permanent protections for LGBTQ people under our nation’s existing civil rights laws. But rather than giving LGBTQ people a fair shot, Sen. McConnell has blocked the bill from coming up for a vote. Reelecting a pro-equality House will be absolutely crucial to not only pass the Equality Act.

“Our nation’s vision is embodied in our Pledge of Allegiance with ‘liberty and justice for all’, and, for too long, that promise has not been realized by too many Americans,” Congressman Clyburn said. “It has been my mission in Congress to stand up for those who have been marginalized, disenfranchised and discriminated against because of their race, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. I am honored to receive this endorsement and look forward to continuing my work with the Human Rights Campaign to make the vision of America accessible and applicable to all people.”

Learn more about Jim Clyburn

Congressional

Jaime Harrison

U.S. Senate

To Jaime Harrison, character always matters, hard work is in his bones, doing what’s right is a way of life, and making good on his debt of gratitude to South Carolina is a lifelong commitment.

The son of a single teenage mom, and raised by his grandparents in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Jaime overcame the challenges of grinding poverty with the help of teachers and mentors who believed in him. From a mobile home to Yale University and Georgetown Law, Jaime never forgot who he was or where he came from.

Learn more about Jaime Harrison

Rep. Joe Cunningham

1st Congressional District

“A year ago, I was proud to help pass the Equality Act through the House but we still have more work to do,” said Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-1). “I’m honored to be endorsed by SC Equality Coalition and look forward to standing with them in the fight for equality for all.”

“I believe in equal protection under the law for everyone, no matter who you are, or who you love. We have made so much progress towards equality under the law and in our society as a whole, but there is still much that we can do to improve the climate for our LGBTQ community. Let’s pass the Equality Act and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity with regard to employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service–so that everyone can participate equally in all aspects of American life.”

Learn more about Joe Cunningham

Adair Ford Boroughs

2nd Congressional District

With an eye toward supporting hard-working, low-income families like those she grew up with, Adair Ford Boroughs has always known who she’s fighting for. From growing up in a double-wide trailer in Williston, South Carolina, to representing the American people in the U.S. Department of Justice, Adair has gone after cheating corporations and millionaires, ensured access to affordable legal services, and brought justice to grieving families. She has used her talent and intellect to forge change and solutions that help regular people. Adair is committed and rooted to the people of South Carolina. Her perspective and work ethic is needed in Congress.

Endorsed by Rep. Jim Clyburn; Mayor Steve Benjamin, Columbia; Former Governor Richard “Dick” Riley; Former Governor and First Lady Jim and Rachel Hodges; Rep. Todd Rutherford, House Minority Leader; Inez Tenenbaum, Former S.C. Superintendent of Education.

Learn more about Adair Boroughs

Rep. Jim Clyburn

6th Congressional District

Last year, with the crucial support of House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, the U.S. House passed the Equality Act, historic and crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit, permanent protections for LGBTQ people under our nation’s existing civil rights laws. But rather than giving LGBTQ people a fair shot, Sen. McConnell has blocked the bill from coming up for a vote. Reelecting a pro-equality House will be absolutely crucial to not only pass the Equality Act.

“Our nation’s vision is embodied in our Pledge of Allegiance with ‘liberty and justice for all’, and, for too long, that promise has not been realized by too many Americans,” Congressman Clyburn said. “It has been my mission in Congress to stand up for those who have been marginalized, disenfranchised and discriminated against because of their race, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. I am honored to receive this endorsement and look forward to continuing my work with the Human Rights Campaign to make the vision of America accessible and applicable to all people.”

Learn more about Jim Clyburn

South Carolina Senate

Candidates for S.C. Senate are endorsed by SC Equality PAC, a political action committee of SC Equality. Sign Up, Volunteer and Financially Support any of the following candidates by clicking on the “View My Website” for each candidate. 

S.C. Senate
District 03

Judith Polson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 07

Sen. Karl Allen
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 15

Vicki Holt
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 16

Ramin Mammadov
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 17

Sen. Mike Fanning
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 20

Sen. Dick Harpootlian
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 22

Sen. Mia McLeod
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 26

Sen. Nikki Setzler
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 27

Sen. Vincent Sheheen
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 29

Sen. Gerald Malloy
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 32

Sen. Ronnie Sabb
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 36

Sen. Kevin Johnson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 37

Kathryn Whitaker
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 41

Sam Skardon
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 43

Richard Hricik
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 44

Debbie Bryant
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 45

Sen. Margie Bright Matthews
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 46

Nathan Campbell
(D)

View My Website

The following Senators are running unopposed.  SC Equality PAC recognizes each of them for their commitment to the LGBTQ community in South Carolina and SC Equality looks forward to continuing our work with each of them in 2021.

S.C. Senate
District 21

Sen. Darrell Jackson
(D)

S.C. Senate
District 30

Sen. Kent Williams
(D)

S.C. Senate
District 35

Sen. Thomas McElveen
(D)

S.C. Senate
District 40

Sen. Brad Hutto
(D)

S.C. Senate
District 42

Sen. Marlon Kimpson
(D)

South Carolina Senate

Candidates for S.C. Senate are endorsed by SC Equality PAC, a political action committee of SC Equality. Sign Up, Volunteer and Financially Support any of the following candidates by clicking on the “View My Website” for each candidate. 

S.C. Senate
District 03

Judith Polson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 07

Sen. Karl Allen
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 15

Vicki Holt
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 16

Ramin Mammadov
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 17

Sen. Mike Fanning
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 20

Sen. Dick Harpootlian
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 22

Sen. Mia McLeod
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 26

Sen. Nikki Setzler
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 27

Sen. Vincent Sheheen
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 29

Sen. Gerald Malloy
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 32

Sen. Ronnie Sabb
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 36

Sen. Kevin Johnson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 37

Kathryn Whitaker
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 41

Sam Skardon
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 43

Richard Hricik
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 44

Debbie Bryant
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 45

Sen. Margie Bright Matthews
(D)

View My Website

S.C. Senate
District 46

Nathan Campbell
(D)

View My Website

The following Senators are running unopposed.  SC Equality PAC recognizes each of them for their commitment to the LGBTQ community in South Carolina and SC Equality looks forward to continuing our work with each of them in 2021.

S.C. Senate
District 21

Sen. Darrell Jackson
(D)

S.C. Senate
District 30

Sen. Kent Williams
(D)

S.C. Senate
District 35

Sen. Thomas McElveen
(D)

S.C. Senate
District 40

Sen. Brad Hutto
(D)

S.C. Senate
District 42

Sen. Marlon Kimpson
(D)

South Carolina House of Representatives

Candidates for S.C. House of Representatives are endorsed by SC Equality PAC, a political action committee of SC Equality. Sign Up, Volunteer and Financially Support any of the following candidates by clicking on the “View My Website” for each candidate. 

S.C. House
District 03

Eunice Lehmacher
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 07

Andrea Bejarano-Robinson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 12

Representative
Anne Parks
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 15

Representative
JA Moore
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 18

Benjamin Smith
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 19

Jevarus Howard
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 25

Representative
Leola Robinson-Simpson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 26

Monica Danneman
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 35

Helen Pendarvis
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 41

Representative
Annie E. McDaniel
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 44

Representative
Mandy Powers Norrell
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 49

Representative
John R. King
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 52

Representative
Laurie Funderburk
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 54

Representative
Pat Henegan
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 56

Bruce Fischer
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 63

Isaac Wilson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 64

Kimberly Johnson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 66

Representative
Gilda Cobb-Hunter
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 73

Representative
Chris Hart
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 74

Representative
Todd Rutherford
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 75

Rhodes Bailey
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 77

Representative
Kambrell Garvin
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 78

Representative
Beth Bernstein
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 79

Representative
Ivory Thigpen
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 80

Jermaine Johnson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 90

Representative
Justin Bamberg
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 94

Patricia Cannon
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 95

Representative
Jerry Govan
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 97

Ronee DeCanio
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 99

Jen Gibson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 111

Representative
Wendell Gilliard
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 112

Daniel Brownstein
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 114

Ed Sutton
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 115

Representative
Spencer Wetmore
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 117

Representative
Krystle Matthews
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 118

Mitchell Siegel
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 119

Representative
Leon Stavrinakis
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 123

Christine deVries
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 124

Barb Nash
(D)

View My Website

The following Representatives are running unopposed.  SC Equality PAC recognizes each of them for their commitment to the LGBTQ community in South Carolina and SC Equality looks forward to continuing our work with each of them in 2021.

S.C. House
District 23

Representative Chandra Dillard
(D)

S.C. House
District 31

Representative Rosalyn D. Henderson-Myers
(D)

S.C. House
District 59

Representative Terry Alexander
(D)

S.C. House
District 61

Representative Roger Kirby
(D)

S.C. House
District 62

Representative Robert Williams
(D)

S.C. House
District 70

Representative Wendy C. Brawley
(D)

S.C. House
District 72

Representative Seth Rose
(D)

S.C. House
District 82

Representative William “Bill” Clyburn
(D)

S.C. House
District 113

Representative Marvin Pendarvis
(D)

South Carolina House of Representatives

Candidates for S.C. House of Representatives are endorsed by SC Equality PAC, a political action committee of SC Equality. Sign Up, Volunteer and Financially Support any of the following candidates by clicking on the “View My Website” for each candidate. 

S.C. House
District 03

Eunice Lehmacher
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 07

Andrea Bejarano-Robinson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 12

Representative
Anne Parks
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 15

Representative
JA Moore
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 18

Benjamin Smith
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 19

Jevarus Howard
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 25

Representative
Leola Robinson-Simpson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 26

Monica Danneman
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 35

Helen Pendarvis
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 41

Representative
Annie E. McDaniel
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 44

Representative
Mandy Powers Norrell
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 49

Representative
John R. King
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 52

Representative
Laurie Funderburk
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 54

Representative
Pat Henegan
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 56

Bruce Fischer
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 63

Isaac Wilson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 64

Kimberly Johnson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 66

Representative
Gilda Cobb-Hunter
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 73

Representative
Chris Hart
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 74

Representative
Todd Rutherford
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 75

Rhodes Bailey
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 77

Representative
Kambrell Garvin
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 78

Representative
Beth Bernstein
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 79

Representative
Ivory Thigpen
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 80

Jermaine Johnson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 90

Representative
Justin Bamberg
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 94

Patricia Cannon
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 95

Representative
Jerry Govan
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 97

Ronee DeCanio
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 99

Jen Gibson
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 111

Representative
Wendell Gilliard
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 112

Daniel Brownstein
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 114

Ed Sutton
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 115

Representative
Spencer Wetmore
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 117

Representative
Krystle Matthews
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 118

Mitchell Siegel
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 119

Representative
Leon Stavrinakis
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 123

Christine deVries
(D)

View My Website

S.C. House
District 124

Barb Nash
(D)

View My Website

The following Representatives are running unopposed.  SC Equality PAC recognizes each of them for their commitment to the LGBTQ community in South Carolina and SC Equality looks forward to continuing our work with each of them in 2021.

S.C. House
District 23

Representative Chandra Dillard
(D)

S.C. House
District 31

Representative Rosalyn D. Henderson-Myers
(D)

S.C. House
District 59

Representative Terry Alexander
(D)

S.C. House
District 61

Representative Roger Kirby
(D)

S.C. House
District 62

Representative Robert Williams
(D)

S.C. House
District 70

Representative Wendy C. Brawley
(D)

S.C. House
District 72

Representative Seth Rose
(D)

S.C. House
District 82

Representative William “Bill” Clyburn
(D)

S.C. House
District 113

Representative Marvin Pendarvis
(D)

Municipal and Local Races

Candidates for municipal and local races are endorsed by SC Equality PAC, a political action committee of SC Equality.

Sheriff

View My Website

Kristin Graziano

Charleston County Sheriff

“It’s an honor to be endorsed by SC Equality PAC, which does amazing work to make sure LGBTQ issues are at the forefront in South Carolina politics. As someone who has witnessed, investigated, and prosecuted hate crimes of LGBTQ victims, I am aware of the impact it can have on the community at large. It is those experiences that I carried with me every day while I was on the job. As the next sheriff, I want to make sure that hate crime victims receive meaningful justice and are treated with kindness, compassion, and empathy. Also, when I am elected, I will ensure that my employees will be able to self-identify with their preferred gender and that LGBTQ inmates will be placed into appropriate populations.”

Municipal and Local Races

Candidates for municipal and local races are endorsed by SC Equality PAC, a political action committee of SC Equality.

Sheriff

View My Website

Kristin Graziano

Charleston County Sheriff

“It’s an honor to be endorsed by SC Equality PAC, which does amazing work to make sure LGBTQ issues are at the forefront in South Carolina politics. As someone who has witnessed, investigated, and prosecuted hate crimes of LGBTQ victims, I am aware of the impact it can have on the community at large. It is those experiences that I carried with me every day while I was on the job. As the next sheriff, I want to make sure that hate crime victims receive meaningful justice and are treated with kindness, compassion, and empathy. Also, when I am elected, I will ensure that my employees will be able to self-identify with their preferred gender and that LGBTQ inmates will be placed into appropriate populations.”

Latest News

Welcome Jarrod Wiggins to SC Equality Board

January 22nd, 2020|

SC Equality Board Welcomes Jarrod Wiggins We are pleased to welcome Jarrod Wiggins to the SC Equality Board.  His dedication and knowledge of the issues faced by the LGBTQ community will further add strength to our Board and help us continue to make a difference in LGBTQ South Carolinian's lives. Jarrod Wiggins Greenville, S.C. (He/Him/His) Jarrod Wiggins oversees New Business & Strategy at SLANT, a full-service marketing and creative agency [...]

Your guide for bills to track this legislative session in S.C.

January 14th, 2020|

2020 South Carolina legislative session starts today 2020 Legislative Tracker The 2020 South Carolina legislative session starts today and SC Equality is committed to advocating for bills that will bring us closer to fully protecting LGBTQ South Carolinians. We are also prepared to fight against any anti-LGBTQ bill that moves this session. Our team is at the Statehouse today and will be [...]

SC Equality to bring a legal challenge to South Carolina’s “No Promo Homo” law

December 16th, 2019|

SC Equality Board, with the support of its Litigation Task Force, has authorized SC Equality to bring a legal challenge to South Carolina's "No Promo Homo" law which prohibits public school health teachers from discussing homosexuality or homosexual persons in South Carolina classrooms. This law forces teachers to provide inaccurate and incomplete information to students and serves to further stigmatize LGBTQ students and children with LGBTQ parents. Some of you may [...]

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK (December 12, 2019)

December 12th, 2019|

South Carolina wants to ban lifesaving medical treatments for trans kids. It’s part of a bigger push around the country. Trans children have been in the national spotlight in recent weeks, with the governor of Texas stepping in to try to stop a mother from allowing her child to transition. And last Wednesday, South Carolina legislators joined in with a bill that would ban a variety [...]

Read More News