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

The South Carolina House of Representatives District 50 seat has been vacant since the beginning of the year after the resignation of former Rep. Will Wheeler. Now, early voting for the Democratic primary is officially underway as of Monday, March 17. Two candidates are on the ballot: Keishan Scott and Carl Whetsel.

Early voting will run until Friday, March 28, and the day of the primary will be Tuesday, April 1. Visit scvotes.gov to find your voting location for voting on April 1. The following are early voting locations for the three counties District 50 encompasses parts of.

Kershaw County

- Board of Voter Registration & Elections - 1117B Broad St., Camden, SC 29020

Lee County

- Board of Voter Registration & Elections - 101 Gregg St., Bishopville, SC 29010

- Lynchburg Old Police Station - 106 Main St., Lynchburg, SC 29080

Sumter County

- Board of Voter Registration & Elections - 129 E. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150

The Item sent both Democratic candidates a questionnaire before early voting with key questions. The candidates are in alphabetical order by their last name.

KEISHAN SCOTT

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.

CARL WHETSEL

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

I have lived in Bishopville since 1988. I moved here with my young family after graduating from chiropractic college and opened our chiropractic clinic. I have lived here 37 years and know this area, her people and their needs. I served on Bishopville City Council for 10 years in the 1990s and served 10 years on the Lee County Board of Voters Registration and Elections from 2014 through 2024.

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

I don't know if you can ever be fully prepared for a job as important as this that touches so many lives of your friends and neighbors. My life has been full and varied, and my experiences will serve me well if given the opportunity to hold this office. Along with serving in several roles in local government, I also ran my clinic and several other clinics with a business partner over the years. My career in the S.C. Army National Guard and subsequent ground combat deployments also played a huge role in making me the man I am today.

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

There is no shortage of issues of importance to District 50 folks. Our district is largely rural, and health care and access to it are near the top of the list. This is not a new problem but a problem we have dealt with for a while now. I will be engaged in this process and try to facilitate any expansion of services.

Jobs and education go hand in hand. I fully support our public schools and the impact they have on quality-of-life issues in our communities. I am a big believer in trying to enhance vocational training at the high school level. Sumter, Lee and Kershaw counties all have excellent CTE programs, but I believe opportunities are there for students to take additional training at a local technical college and set themselves up for a high-paying career without having to go to a traditional four-year university. Business already partners with our technical colleges to develop curriculum for their needs. Early intervention in the study of math should also be explored, as those skills appear to be deficient and will be critical in vocational training.

Education and good jobs will strengthen our families and help our children stay local and raise their families here.

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

Expand our current footprint with existing providers if possible. Ensure we have adequate public transportation to accommodate the need. Advocate for our citizens and help facilitate any expansion plans.

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

The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled last year against the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, saying that public funds cannot be used for private education institutions.

Competition is always good. Statewide open enrollment would allow parents to enroll their children in schools outside their normal district. This would allow for competition between public schools.

Starting teacher salaries were raised last year across the state. A number of good ideas are currently being debated at the Statehouse to include requiring school boards to livestream their meetings. Non-certified teacher pilot programs would help alleviate teacher shortages by allowing participants with a suitable bachelor's or graduate degree along with five years of relevant work experience to teach in the classroom.

In my opinion, the best way to improve our education system is through parental involvement. Parents have to know what is going on at school, demand the best from their school board and from their student/child.

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

I would have to say Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs. In particular, I have some hard-earned understanding of the trials facing our combat veterans. I also was a chiropractor for a number of years and a certified medical examiner through D.O.T. and performed "truck driver" exams.

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

Well, my personal cell phone number I have had for years is featured prominently on my campaign materials. I have encouraged people to feel free to call me anytime. I will continue to visit churches and attend various public meetings.

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

I have been married a huge portion of my life. I understand compromise. In all seriousness, they say politics is the art of compromise. It is always nice to come to a consensus if you can. But I can certainly see the importance of digging in on some of the issues being debated at the Statehouse.

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

The Republican Party has dominated the Statehouse over the last two plus decades. As a Democrat who has walked in many shoes, I would hope I could earn the trust and support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I would hope to enhance the quality of life for the people of District 50.

Is there anything else you want to add about yourself?

Yes, there is! This position was never a "life goal" of mine. My life has always been one of service and being part of something bigger than yourself. I lost my first-born son at 9 years of age. He was a special needs child and, in our eyes, an angel. Town Council, Voter Registration Board, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, volunteer firefighting make up part of my resume. I also volunteered to join back into the S.C. Army National Guard after 9/11. Twice I left my family and practice for about 18 months each time for train up and then deployment. All of "my guys" have paid, and are paying to this day, a steep emotional price for these deployments. However, in time I have come to realize the depth of soul I have been granted due to my life experiences. I remain a man of passion, compassion and empathy toward those who struggle. When I retired May of 2024, I felt that something would come along that I would need to do. THIS IS IT! I will be an active full-time legislator for the people of District 50. I ask for your vote and your support. Your friend, Carl