2026 SC House District 36 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 PARTY CANDIDATES

ADAM CRISP

Website:  none

The Office You're Seeking:  House 36

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

• I am running to better the citizens of District 36. As the COO of a security company, former deputy and father of 5 daughters, the legislation that Rob Harris puts forward are dangerous and not consistent with what district 36 constituents are wanting. As a two-term official with the Town of Lyman.

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? 

• Yes, earmarks and budgets with the partnership with businesses to attract high-paying industries-whether that's in tech, manufacturing or corporate headquarters. The state can play a key role by investing in education and workforce training making people have more skills to align with higher paying jobs. Incentives, infrastructure improvements and making the state attractive to both workers and companies can raise per capita income. It's about creating opportunities and making sure folks are ready to seize them.

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? 

• Making sure citizens are taxed at an appropriate level but also narrowing that down to zero. This will have some work to do but isn't out of reach.

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?

• Investing in companies are participate in the childcare programs across the state. Giving the workforce the ability to use childcare options only improves applicants but also give initiatives to people who are on the fence on applying to jobs.

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

• Be a consistent voice for the community. We are lacking in real leadership and failed policies by the current Rep. We are suffering due to his lack of communication, legislation power and overall grasp on what is really happening in the district. He is a one ticket candidate that cares solely about his own will, which devastates are community by lacking in infrastructure, road conditions and others.

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

• We have a chance of bringing District 36 back to Columbia. We have run successful campaigns in the last 3 years, which only helps when it comes to name recognition.

 

ROB HARRIS (i) 

Candidate did not respond.

 

DEMOCRATIC PARTY CANDIDATE

VIRGINIA MCLEAN

*Not on ballots until November's General Election

Website: www.vaforsc.com 

The Office You're Seeking: SC House District 36

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

• I am a dedicated community leader, educator, and advocate running for the South Carolina House of Representatives to bring a fresh, creative perspective to Columbia. As an "Army brat," I learned the values of discipline and sacrifice early on—values I now apply to my community service and candidacy. I earned my B.A. from Winthrop University and a Master’s from The Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and I have spent my career focused on the growth and well-being of children, youth, and families. Currently, I serve as the Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, where I put my faith into action by advocating for the inherent dignity of every individual. I am also an artist and a co-founder of the Spartanburg Creative Reuse Art Project, a non-profit dedicated to promoting environmental awareness through artistic expression. I live in Lyman with my husband and our two sons.

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? 

• The state's role is to act as a catalyst for growth by creating a business-friendly environment by providing the infrastructure that helps businesses start up quickly. The state is also responsible for attracting quality jobs by investing in our technical colleges that help prepare our students for the workforce.

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? 

• My approach to tax policy is rooted in fiscal responsibility and equity. While I understand the appeal of a 'zero income tax' model for competitiveness, we cannot ignore the risk of starving the core functions of government—specifically our schools and infrastructure. I advocate for a 'Trigger-Plus' model: income tax reductions should only occur when our essential services are fully funded and when we have expanded refundable credits to protect low-income families from the regressive nature of sales taxes. We must ensure that tax reform grows our economy without leaving our most vulnerable neighbors, or our children's classrooms, behind.

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?

• The childcare crisis is not just a family issue, but a fundamental barrier to SC's economic growth. To solve this, I would advocate for a public-private partnership that engages the business community as a stakeholder in the solution. I would advocate for tax incentives for business that invest in the "childcare infrastructure" of their employees. This can look like on-site childcare facilities, cooperatives, or direct childcare stipends. By treating childcare as a part of our infrastructure, similar to roads and schools, we can help to stabilize the workforce and local businesses recruit and retain talent.

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

• District 36 is rapidly growing and our infrastructure cannot keep up. The cost of living is also rapidly growing, outpacing local wages. By focusing on sustainable development and childcare as a core part our infrastructure, we can be sure that the growth of District 36 benefits every family and not just those at the top.

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

• The most significant factor that influenced me to run is my belief that democracy functions best when voters have a choice. It has been 20 years since a Democrat has appeared on the ballot for this seat. I am running to ensure that we have a race that reflects the diverse perspectives of our region.