CHARLESTON, SC — Mark Smith, a self-proclaimed conservative and small business owner, is gearing up to bring his vision to Washington, D.C.

Currently serving as a State Representative from Bamberg, Smith recently shared his political aspirations and his perspective on the nation’s current state.

“When we consider the primary issues facing the First Congressional District, infrastructure is undeniably at the forefront,” Smith stated. “People are fed up with traffic congestion. Improving infrastructure must be a top priority for the constituents here. Following that, ensuring law and order is crucial. It’s vital that we maintain a safe environment where citizens can work, return home, and enjoy the quality of life we cherish in the Lowcountry.”

Smith has previously run for Congress twice, both times falling short in the primaries to incumbent Congresswoman Nancy Mace. Since 2020, he has been an active member of the South Carolina legislature, a role he believes has prepared him for this next challenge on the national stage.

Smith has run twice for Congress, losing in the primaries both times to current Congresswoman Nancy Mace. He has now been in SC legislature since 2020; experience he said has made him ready to take the next step.

“Experience. And relationships, in my opinion, matter,” Smith said. “On day one, when I’m elected to go to Congress, I’m prepared and ready to go to work. I’ve served on the municipal level. I’ve served on the state level three terms. And on day one, I’m ready to go to Washington, D.C., because I don’t need to be educated on how to file a bill and how to get legislation done.”

While calling himself a conservative, Smith said his Republican values haven’t stopped him from working across the aisle to benefit his District and the state.

“We don’t live on a Democrat or Republican side of the road or even drive on a partisan side of the road,” Smith said. “So a lot of the legislation that we’ve been able to get done has been collaborative in nature and there have been many Democrats who’ve signed on to bills that I’ve put forth in the House and have become into law and whip’s votes that we have whipped up in the state House, that that shows that we are focused on doing the people’s work, not necessarily dividing up people.”

He continued, “And I’m a good old fashioned fourth generation South Carolinian who believes in what grandma taught me. Keep things simple and just do as much good as you can everywhere as you can for as long as you can. And you know what? Words and tone matter at the end of the day, how we speak to one another, how we utilize our platforms on social media. You know, those are opportunities for us to build and create hope for all those people who are following us, especially our younger generations.”

Smith said if he is elected, he would be a strong supporter of President Trump’s agenda, and an ally in Congress.

“When I think about what President Trump has been able to accomplish in the short term, he’s been in there with the America’s First Agenda. I fully support the president’s America First agenda and the winning that we’ve been able to do thus far in the country. It’s hard to dispute those pesky facts always getting in the way when political rhetoric wants to be at the top of the day.”

Smith said he believes he has worked for all his constituents in his time in office, and that wouldn’t change if elected to the halls of Congress.

“When you elect me and send me to Congress, you’re going to be really glad and you’re going to be able to say, ‘That’s my congressman. That’s my marksmen. Watch this. I can text him right now. I can call him on his cell phone because, A, he didn’t change his cell phone when he got elected. He didn’t stop answering the phone calls.’ And I’m going to tell you again, don’t listen to what I’m saying. Ask my neighbors, friends and colleagues and constituents how I’ve legislated and operated in the state House.”

Smith joins a crowded field of field Republicans aiming to replace Nancy Mace as she runs for Governor.

Five Democrats have also thrown their hats into the ring so far.