Candidate profiles: S.C. 7th congressional district
South Carolina’s 7th congressional district will have new leadership after Tom Rice lost his bid for re-election in a heated June GOP primary that saw him ousted by Surfside Beach attorney and current state representative Russell Fry.
Russell Fry
Why did you decide to run for office?
Look at the state of our country. In two years Washington leaders have forgotten the people they represent and the results are a gut punch to working families and people on fixed incomes. My motivation to run for this position is the same as my decision to run for office in the South Carolina State House — the people. Americans need a voice that will put them first, and that’s what I intend to do.
How would South Carolina residents benefit from your leadership?
I come from a working-class family. I know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck and how decisions out of Washington impact real people. When I cast votes in Congress, I’ll always be thinking of the people of the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.
Do you believe South Carolina’s elections are conducted fairly?
As the Chief Majority Whip, I worked tirelessly to secure our elections, making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. I am proud to say that South Carolina is ranked in the top ten for the most secure elections in the nation.
What legislation would you sponsor?
We don’t know what legislation is coming up next year, but I will be a conservative voice for South Carolina’s 7th district, being a check on the radical Biden administration and legislatively focusing on the Republican’s Committment to America — fighting inflation, making America energy independent again, securing the border, supporting law enforcement, and promoting educational opportunities for our children.
What do you believe should be Congress’s top priority?
In 2023 when Republicans take back the House majority, our top priority will be to put a check on Joe Biden and the Democrats and stop their radical legislation that has been destroying our country for the past two years.
Daryl Scott
Why did you decide to run for office?
I have spent my life in public service. A decade before and after 9/11, I dedicated my career to national security, serving my county for 24 years in the US Army on the world’s most challenging problems. I approach elected office from a service perspective: as your elected Representative, my job is to fight for you, not Washington. I hope to earn your confidence and support.
How would South Carolina residents benefit from your leadership?
I will work daily to ensure that we have world-class, affordable education that prepares our kids for well-paid careers in District 7 and South Carolina. I will fight to ensure everyone can access reasonable and affordable health care and prescription drugs. I will ensure our kids are safe and healthy by protecting against threats to our environment, our security, and the genuine threats posed by our aging infrastructure — and I will also fight to bring real economic opportunity to our communities.
Do you believe South Carolina’s elections are conducted fairly?
declined to answer
What legislation would you sponsor?
Upon my first term in Congress, I will devote my time to working on the issues I hear most from people across the District 7. Among legislation, the focus of protecting the constitutional rights of women and all people. I will work to pass homeless veteran support legislation. To focus on ways to help better provide for our veterans after they transition to civilian life. And the Lower Drug Cost Now Act addresses the out-of-control prices of prescription drugs.
What do you believe should be Congress’s top priority?
declined to answer
This story was originally published October 24, 2022 at 5:00 AM.