2026 SC House District 29 Election

*CANDIDATES' VIEWS IN THE Q&AS LINKED BELOW DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OF ONESPARTANBURG, INC. CANDIDATE RESPONSES ARE THE CANDIDATES' OWN WORDS, HAVING COME FROM EMAILED RESPONSES.*

 

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

DENNIS MOSS (i)

*Not on ballots until November's General Election

 

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE

MARIANA FRANCO

*Not on ballots until November's General Election

Website:  www.votemarianafranco.com  

The Office You're Seeking:  State House Representative District 29

Tell us about yourself, your involvement in our community, and why you are running for the SC House.

• I am a proud Cuban immigrant, a mother, and a healthcare worker who has built a life in South Carolina through hard work and determination. My journey has given me a deep appreciation for opportunity and a clear understanding of the challenges many families in our community face every day. Through my work as a nurse assistant, I have seen firsthand the struggles people encounter when it comes to accessing care, affording basic needs, and navigating systems that often feel out of reach. I am actively involved in my community as a parent and advocate, especially in ensuring that children receive the support and education they need to succeed. As a mother, I understand how important strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and economic stability are for our families. I have also been engaged in conversations and local efforts that focus on improving access to resources and creating opportunities for working families. I am running for the South Carolina House because I believe our community deserves representation that listens, understands, and takes action. I want to be a voice for families who are working hard but still struggling to get ahead. My focus is on strengthening public education, improving affordability, and supporting safe, thriving communities. I am committed to bringing practical solutions and a fresh perspective to ensure that District 29 continues to grow and that every family has a fair chance to succeed.

What is the role of state government, if any, in economic development and corporate recruitment? How can the State help raise per-capita income in Spartanburg and across the state? 

• State government plays an important role in economic development, but that role should be strategic and responsible. The State should create the conditions that allow businesses to grow and succeed—by investing in infrastructure, supporting a strong education system, and ensuring a skilled workforce—rather than relying solely on large incentive packages to attract companies. While corporate recruitment can bring jobs, it must be balanced with transparency and accountability to ensure that investments truly benefit local communities. To raise per-capita income in Spartanburg and across South Carolina, we must focus on long-term solutions. This includes strengthening public education and expanding access to technical training and workforce development programs that align with high-demand industries. Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs is also essential, as they are key drivers of local economies. In addition, improving access to affordable healthcare, housing, and childcare allows more people to participate fully in the workforce and pursue better-paying opportunities. By investing in people, promoting sustainable economic growth, and ensuring that development benefits working families—not just large corporations—the State can help create a stronger, more inclusive economy where incomes rise and communities thrive.

Comprehensive Tax Reform remains a high priority in the SC General Assembly.  Income, property, and sales tax are all being discussed for reform.  As a State Representative what would be your approach to good tax policy for the State? 

• A good tax policy should be fair, transparent, and focused on long-term stability. As a State Representative, my approach to tax reform would be to ensure that our system does not place a disproportionate burden on working families while still providing the revenue needed to fund essential services like education, infrastructure, and public safety. South Carolina’s current tax structure relies heavily on sales taxes, which can be regressive and impact lower- and middle-income families the most. I would support efforts to modernize and simplify the tax code in a way that promotes fairness, including reviewing income tax brackets and ensuring that any changes do not shift the burden onto those least able to afford it. Property taxes are also a major concern, especially for homeowners and seniors on fixed incomes. I would prioritize measures that provide relief while maintaining funding for local schools and services that communities depend on. At the same time, we must be responsible in how we use taxpayer dollars. That includes increasing transparency and accountability in economic development incentives and ensuring that tax policies encourage sustainable growth, support small businesses, and create opportunities for higher-paying jobs. Ultimately, my goal is to support a balanced approach to tax reform—one that strengthens our economy, protects working families, and ensures that South Carolina can continue to invest in its future.

Childcare across South Carolina is often unaffordable and inaccessible, damaging our state’s economy and outcomes for our children.  Data shows that a lack of childcare options prohibits some people from participating in the workforce. In South Carolina, the state’s prime-age labor force participation rate of 81.1% falls 2.5% points below the national average.  As a state representative, what are some solutions you have for this crisis?

• Childcare is not just a family issue—it’s an economic issue. When parents can’t find or afford care, they’re forced out of the workforce, and that affects our entire state. As a State Representative, I would focus on three things: expanding access, improving affordability, and supporting the childcare workforce. That means helping providers stay open and grow, especially in underserved areas, expanding assistance for working families, and making sure childcare workers are paid fairly so we can attract and keep them. We should also work with local businesses and communities to create more flexible childcare options that meet the needs of working parents. If we want a stronger economy and better outcomes for our children, we have to treat childcare as essential—and make real investments to fix the gaps we’re seeing today.

What are the greatest challenges facing your District and what will you do as the Representative to address them?

• District 29 in Spartanburg is facing real, everyday challenges—rising costs, pressure on our schools, poor road conditions, and the need for better-paying, stable jobs. Many of our roads are in bad shape, creating safety concerns, longer commutes, and added costs for families. That’s not just an inconvenience—it’s something the state needs to address. As a State Representative, I will focus on strengthening public education, making life more affordable for working families, and investing in infrastructure—especially repairing and maintaining our roads. Safe, reliable roads are essential for our daily lives and for supporting local businesses and economic growth. I will also support responsible economic development that brings quality jobs while investing in workforce training so residents can access those opportunities. Most importantly, I will stay connected to the people of District 29 and focus on practical solutions that help our community move forward.

Please identify any other issues or concerns that influenced your decision to run for this office.

• I decided to run because for over 20 years District 29 voters have had no Democratic choice. I believe in fair, responsible leadership—where working families are not carrying the burden while promises are made without clear plans to fund them.