LEXINGTON, S.C. — South Carolina's Second Congressional District race pits longtime incumbent Rep. Joe Wilson against political newcomer David Robinson.
Wilson, 77, a Republican who has held the seat since 2001, is running for his 13th term, while Robinson, a 53-year-old retired U.S. Army officer, is mounting his first political campaign as a Democrat.
“I’m inspired by the people I represent," Wilson said about his commitment to the district. "Everywhere I go, people are so concerned about the future of our country, and I share their concern. I truly believe that I can make a difference on behalf of the people of the Second District.”
Meanwhile, Robinson says he decided to run because he thinks the district is lacking effective representation in Congress. “I see representation not there,” Robinson said. “Sometimes you have to get up and stand up and do things yourself. So I decided to get off my couch and start complaining.”
Inflation and the Economy Top of Mind in Campaign Agendas
Both candidates agree that inflation is a critical issue for voters in the district, though their perspectives on its root causes and solutions differ.
“Oh, hey, it’s inflation,” Wilson said. “It affects every family. The consequence of the Biden-Harris Administration has created a 40-year high in inflation and over 20% during the three years that they’ve been in office, which, to most families, is a negative $13,000 (a year), and people feel it, and they see it when they go to the grocery store.”
Robinson echoed concerns about the financial strain on families, but highlighted a focus on lowering costs directly. “It’s a very big issue,” he noted. “I want to make sure we’re tackling that, bringing those costs down, making sure we bring inflation down. So we’ll be working very hard on that.”
Job Creation and Wages Take Center Stage
Job creation is also a major point of debate. Wilson pointed to his work bringing jobs and economic opportunities to the district. “About half of what I do, I think, relates to supporting small businesses and recruiting new industry and creating economic opportunity,” he said.
Robinson, though, argued job creation efforts should focus on wage increases as well. “The first thing we have to do is tackle the minimum wage. $7.25 an hour is not something to live on,” Robinson said, referencing the current federal minimum wage. “With high inflation and our economy’s rising cost of living, we want to make sure our families are actually having those dollars.”
Opposite Views on Helene Response
The two candidates also disagree over the federal government’s response to Hurricane Helene. Robinson praised federal efforts. “The federal government did a lot, but it depends on who we have to make sure those federal dollars are going to the right places," Robinson said. "We’re going to work really hard to ensure those dollars are there, supporting FEMA.”
Wilson, however, said he didn't like what he saw with the federal response. “I’m very disappointed, because indeed, you prepare for the worst," Wilson said. "This was worse than worse, and there should have been better preparation, particularly for the extraordinary damage by flooding from Aiken up to western North Carolina."
Final Pleas for Votes as Election Nears
As Election Day approaches, both candidates are making their final cases to voters. Robinson expressed respect for Wilson’s service, but said change is needed. "“Mr. Wilson’s been in office 23 years. I thank God for his service, because I know what it is to serve our country. But we have some of these same issues, and I want to make sure we’re investing in our infrastructure, education, and women’s reproductive rights.”
Wilson highlighted his record, saying, “Joe means jobs, creating opportunity for young people in our area, and peace through strength. I’m on the Armed Services Committee and a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. We need to do everything we can to address the issues.”
Early voting began on October 21 and runs through November 2. If voters don't cast a ballot by then, they can still vote on Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 5.