Rural Communities and Agricultre
Rural communities are the backbone of South Carolina feeding our state, powering our economy, and preserving our way of life. They deserve the same investment, opportunity, and respect as any other part of the state. Supporting rural communities means supporting families, farmers, and the future of South Carolina.
What I'll Fight For
- Strong, sustainable rural economies built around small farms, local businesses, and community infrastructure
- Investment in broadband, healthcare, transportation, and clean water systems that rural families rely on
- Support for small and family farmers facing consolidation, rising costs, and environmental challenges
- Policies that strengthen local food systems and keep rural dollars circulating in rural communities
- Environmental protections that safeguard farmland, water, and public health
Why this Matters in South Carolina
Many rural counties face shrinking tax bases, aging infrastructure, limited healthcare access, and the loss of small farms to corporate consolidation. Broadband gaps, transportation challenges, and environmental contamination further limit opportunity. These issues are structural, not inevitable, and they require real investment and policy solutions that reflect the realities of rural life.
I’ve seen how instability, limited resources, and lack of access shape families’ lives, especially in rural areas where services are spread thin and opportunities are harder to reach. Those experiences drive my belief that rural communities deserve more than promises; they deserve real investment and a seat at the table.
Key Policies and Priorities
Strengthening Small & Family Farms
Small farmers face rising costs, limited market access, and competition from large corporations. I support grants, low interest loans, and state partnerships that help family farms stay viable. Investing in local agriculture keeps land in local hands and strengthens rural economies.
Broadband, Transportation & Infrastructure
Reliable broadband, safe roads, clean water, and modern wastewater systems are essential for economic growth. I support statewide investment to close infrastructure gaps that hold rural communities back. Infrastructure is not optional, it’s the foundation of opportunity.
Local Food Systems & Rural Economies
Strong local food systems keep dollars circulating in rural communities. I support farm-to-school programs, food hubs, community markets, and partnerships between small farmers and local institutions. These programs strengthen food security and create stable markets for local producers.
Healthcare Access in Rural Areas
Many rural communities lack hospitals, clinics, and specialists. I support expanding rural healthcare through incentives for providers, mobile clinics, telehealth, and partnerships that bring essential services closer to home. No one should have to drive hours for basic care.
Environmental Health & Farmland Protection
Rural communities often bear the brunt of environmental contamination, industrial pollution, and unsafe water systems. I support strong environmental protections, cleanup efforts, and policies that safeguard farmland for future generations.
Rural communities deserve investment, opportunity, and a future they can build on, and I’m committed to fighting for them every step of the way.