Candidate Name:
Sam Skardon
Candidate’s Preferred Pronouns
He/him
What office are you running for?
South Carolina State Senate District 41
With which party are you running for office?
Democratic Party
Election Date
November 3
Why are you running for office?
When I was four years old, my mom took me into the election booth with her so I could vote for Bill Clinton. Our political process and the ability to vote is what defines our democracy, and I believe is one of the most effective ways to create change in our country. I am running because I believe we can change the status quo in South Carolina with leadership that understands the urgency of our problems, and has the experience to change them.
What is the biggest issue facing your community and how do you propose helping?
Education. I grew up in Charleston County Public Schools, and remember days when class was cancelled because the air conditioning did not work. As my wife and I start to think about having a family, we will not be able to afford to send our children to private schools. Schools need to work for ALL of us, and we need someone in office who understands the urgency and need for a great public education system.
How do we fix the partisan divide in our country and start working together again?
Education, housing, the environment and economic opportunity are not partisan issues. They affect all people, regardless of political affiliation. Every person should be able to send their children to great schools. Every person should be able to afford a roof over their head. Every person should be able to drive to work without getting stuck in flooded streets. Every person should be able to get a good paying job that allows them to support themselves and their families. I will work across the aisle to make sure we can get there.
Who is your hero?
I had the honor of working for Congressman John Lewis. He is a civil rights icon and American hero. Congressman Lewis kept a jar of jelly beans above his desk. They were to represent how far we’ve come from the Jim Crow era voter disenfranchisement he once experienced. A so-called “literacy test” was once the impossible task of guessing how many jelly beans were in that jar. If John Lewis was able to ride segregated buses through the South, march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma and be battered and beaten – if he could bring that jar of jelly beans with him to his office in the Capitol Building as a US Congressman, we too can create can change the status quo in South Carolina and lead the nation in education, infrastructure, the environment and economy.
What are your hobbies?
I have played baseball since I was in middle school. If you ever want to throw a ball – let me know!
What is the most recent book you read?
In Darkest South Carolina is an incredible story of civil rights in this state. We have a duty to make sure that the world and the children who are raised here know the history of slavery, segregation and civil rights in Charleston. It is only by understanding the past that we can create a better future.
Do you have any kids/pets/talking houseplants?
My wife, Leslie and I, have an adorable rescue pup, Stewart. He enjoys Saturday mornings on the beach, runs at the James Island County Park, and, of course, sunrises at Demetre Park.
How can our readers get involved in your campaign?
We cannot do this alone and need all of your support. We would love your time, donations and support! Please sign up at SamSkardon.com.
Candidate Social Media:
Website| Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Post created from answers submitted by candidate to our Meet the Candidate survey.
