Mia says ‘I’m all in,’ running for Lourie’s Senate seat

13 Replies

Well, that didn’t take long.

The news that Sen. Joel Lourie was not running for re-election in 2016 was only a few hours old when Rep. Mia McLeod said she was definitely running for the job:

I’m all in…

Sen. Joel Lourie has announced he won’t seek reelection in 2016. I hope you’ll join me in thanking him for his service to our state.Since I was first elected to the SC House in 2010, you’ve never had to wonder where I stand on the issues.From day one, I’ve been fighting the status quo…standing up for what’s right, fair and equitable–regardless of party, race or gender…working across party lines for stronger public schools, more jobs, better roads, and greater access to quality, affordable healthcare…advocating for our state’s most vulnerable citizens, as well as comprehensive domestic violence reforms and better race relations.
From the Richland County Elections Commission to the Governor’s Office, I’ve led the charge to demand transparency and accountability from every elected and appointed official at every level of government.I don’t shy away from the tough issues. Never have. Never will.NOW is the time for bold, new leadership. With my family’s support and encouragement, we ask that you continue to pray for God’s guidance as we prepare for this next phase of our journey.Let’s take our fight for a better, stronger South Carolina to the Senate!

With your prayers and support, I plan to file to run for Senate District 22 next year because I’m confident that together, there’s so much more we can do!

I’m all in! Hope you are too…

As reported over the weekend, Rep. Beth Bernstein was also considering running for the seat. If she is “all in,” too, you’ll have two incumbent female House members running to be the second woman in the Senate.

That will be an unusual sort of race — two actual incumbent Democrats (which are kind of thin on the ground) vying for the same job.

13 thoughts on “Mia says ‘I’m all in,’ running for Lourie’s Senate seat”

    1. Brad Warthen Post author

      Maybe. Joel’s old House district has been something of a swing district, represented by him, then Republican Joan Brady, and now Beth. And before Joel had it, it was held by Henry’s brother Joe McMaster.

      I don’t know about the Senate district, though. But I wouldn’t be surprised.

      Maybe Jeff Mobley, who was the GOP nominee for that House district last year (and a regular commenter here), would know. Jeff?

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  2. Jeff Mobley

    All I really know about Senate district 22 is what I’ve found on SCVotes.org, which is that in 2000, Warren Giese (R) defeated Toby Ward (D), winning 56% of the vote. In 2004, Joel Lourie (D) defeated Ken Wingate (R), winning 56% of the vote. And perhaps most telling, Joel Lourie hasn’t face opposition since.

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  6. Brad Warthen Post author

    Latest missive from Mia:

    As a single, working mom, I know all too well the importance of making sure that each of us has equal opportunities and equal footing in the workplace.

    As a small business owner, I know first-hand how big an impact small businesses have on working families, job creation and our state’s economy.

    As an elected official, I realize that only 13.5% of our state’s legislators are women at a time when it’s increasingly obvious that the perspectives of strong women leaders are invaluable and critically-needed at every level of government.

    These aren’t just women’s issues. They’re issues that affect the heart of our middle class and soul of South Carolina’s future.

    For the past 5 years, I’ve been fighting for wage equity, workforce, economic & infrastructure development, public education, healthcare, diversity & inclusion, public safety and meaningful government reforms that include more transparency and accountability.

    Fighting the good ole boys who wanna protect the status quo isn’t easy. That’s why most elected officials don’t do it.

    I’m running for Senate District 22 because I’m not “most elected officials.”

    So whether you’re a small business owner, teacher, government employee, veteran or active military serviceperson…we’re in this together. And like me, you understand that our state is only as strong as its weakest.

    Many of you have called or emailed to ask how you can volunteer and financially support our campaign for the SC Senate! Our work begins Now, so here’s what you can do to help…

    You ever notice how Democrats seeking office are all about how they’re going to help people like YOU with the difficult business of living your lives, and Republicans are all about promising NOT to help the people the Democrats want to help, who are always presumed to be someone other than the voters the GOP is trying to reach?

    I’ve never found either approach particularly attractive….

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  7. Mark Stewart

    I appreciate that she chose to call herself a single mom and not a single parent.

    There are definitely parents who abdicate their parental responsibilities, but language does set a tone.

    Reply ↓

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