Sen. Brad Hutto faces Democratic challenger, Kendrick Brown, in June 11th primary

Two Democratic candidates will be on the June 11 primary ballot for the S.C. Senate District 40 seat, including incumbent Sen. Brad Hutto of Orangeburg County and challenger Kendrick Brown of Bamberg County.

District 40 includes Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton & Orangeburg counties.

The winner of the Democratic Primary will face Republican candidate Sharon Carter, who lives in Bamberg County, on the November General Election ballot.

KENDRICK BROWN

Kendrick Brown, a Bamberg County school teacher, is challenging Sen. Brad Hutto in the Democratic primary for the District 40 seat.
Born to a father from Denmark, South Carolina, and a mother from Midway (Bamberg), South Carolina, this area is the only home Brown has ever known.
"It is an honor to fight for the expansion of knowledge, opportunities, and resources future generations need to one day take on the responsibility of making the world a better place. I live my life with a keen awareness of the legacies and traditions of past community cultivators," said Brown.
He teaches English, coaches soccer and basketball, and helps advise the student council at his alma mater, Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School.
"I strive to be a positive role model for my children and students," he said.
When not involved in the community, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, their corgi Chase, and their friends and family.

BRAD HUTTO

Sen. Brad Hutto seeks to continue representing District 40, just as he has since 1996.
"In the General Assembly, I have been an advocate for the rural communities and have led efforts to deliver critical increased funding for road improvements. I have advocated for increased funding for our public schools and teachers. I believe that it is important that we ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has good health care options," said Hutto.
Born in Orangeburg County and raised on his family's dairy farm near Holly Hill, he graduated from the University of South Carolina and Georgetown University Law Center. He has practiced law in Orangeburg for 40 years with the firm of Williams & Williams.
Sen. Hutto has taught at the USC Honors College for over 10 years, serves on the executive committee of the Southern Carolina Alliance, and chairs the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children. He is an Eagle Scout and has been a leader in the Boy Scouts of America for over 40 years.
He and his wife, Tracy Macpherson, a pediatrician, enjoy backpacking, pickleball, and traveling. Their son, Skyler, practices law with his father.

Q&A with the candidates

Why have you chosen to run for this seat?

BROWN: This campaign aims to energize as many people as possible to maximize their potential. Like many undervalued teachers, I spend my workdays investing in the growth of the culture of the community. I am running to be part of the change our communities need. The youth need someone to represent their needs and concerns. My attempt to make a change will hopefully spark something in every individual who desires to make the world a better place. My sons are 5 and 4 years old. I intend to set a bar for them to reach for, thus elevating their unique legacies to inspire the next generation. I’m from District 40 and I think I embody the passion, ambition, and courage the next generation wants to be the foundation for the future of this area. Our people have a hard time being seen or heard here. I hope the light I am shining on our communities is bright enough for more people to give us a chance.
HUTTO: I am thankful for the citizens in my District entrusting me to serve as their State Senator for almost 30 years. As someone who has lived in rural South Carolina my whole life, I understand the challenges facing rural communities in our state. I am proud to have been instrumental in promoting funding for rural school districts, in allocating millions of dollars to improve our roads, schools, parks, and in bringing new industry into our area to allow our citizens to obtain good jobs.

How will you ensure the issues of the rural areas you represent are prioritized on a state level? (access to healthcare, gun violence, increasing rates of overdose, etc.)

BROWN: For too long, rural areas across America have been overlooked and undervalued. Our state has the people, the potential, and the power to become a beacon of hope in a state that desperately needs to progress. Our citizens aren’t seeing opportunities to better their lives and the lives of others. The jobs that would help young people overcome poverty, lead us away from our homes. Ambitious, educated young citizens are needed here, but there has to be a collective effort from state and local governments to help us change the culture. My campaign is an effort to put a voice to a generation of people who want their shot at making life better for everyone. I love where I’m from and want to advocate for the people of District 40 because I am confident that where we can go as a community will raise the quality of life of everyone here.
HUTTO: By continuing to introduce bills and vote for the best interests of our citizens. I have long advocated for Medicaid expansion. I was the leader in getting the funding for the Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Medical Center and in ensuring that the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) took over its operations. I voted for sensible gun safety legislation and chaired the subcommittee to address gang violence. I chaired the committee to increase penalties for trafficking fentanyl and to make it easier for the prosecution of drug dealers in cases where a person dies from an overdose. I voted for teacher pay raises and have delivered funding to rebuild schools in rural South Carolina. I also fought against extreme attacks on women's health care access and have been a leading voice to protect women's access to birth control and in vitro fertilization treatment.

What are three major issues you think need to be fixed or addressed across the state?

BROWN:
Financial disparity, and its relationship to crime, health, and a lack of educational/ youth resources are some of my major concerns for the future of the low country of South Carolina. It is difficult to separate the issues and rank them. The solutions are all connected. The many areas of South Carolina are producing citizens that have the potential to revolutionize their communities, yet have to live through the trauma of watching poverty dim their prospective perspective of the future. Our communities must unite to help cultivate a better environment for future generations. However, our communities also need support in providing positive spaces for citizens to thrive.
HUTTO:

1. Funding for rural education, including the recruitment, retention and increase in pay for school employees.
2. Attracting high-paying jobs to rural South Carolina and providing affordable housing in our area.
3. Improving access to health care in rural South Carolina and bringing more health care workers to our area.

What is your first priority if elected?

BROWN: I want to first focus on establishing more relationships with all legislators and enacting the plan my constituents and I have for the future of South Carolina and District 40. As a teacher, listening and learning have always been my strongest tools in cultivating a sound educational environment. Those tools will serve me as I fight for the future of South Carolina. They are my priority.
HUTTO: To make sure that the voice of rural South Carolina is heard in Columbia.

What are some of your short-term and long-term goals if elected?

BROWN: Our teachers in the area need better pay and resources to continue educating our youth at a high level. Our youth should be our primary focus when we think about our communities. One of my more salient goals is to help bring up-to-date recreational centers to as many rural towns that need them. Our people deserve a hub for community cultivation. We need more after-school programs, summer programs, and jobs that provide our youth with opportunities to contribute to their community, while also preparing them for the challenge of resolving the issues that plague our society. Empowering parents with programs for their children will open the door to creating healthier lifestyles. In the long term, these areas of concentration will produce a community of citizens who will foster the pride needed to participate in improving one’s community.
HUTTO: To promote expanded health care insurance coverage, to increase public school funding, and to recruit high-paying jobs to our area.