Representative Wendell Gilliard Files for State Senate District 42

Representative Wendell Gilliard has officially entered the race to fill the open seat for State Senate District 42. The special election will be held on September 5, 2023. The early voting period runs from August 21 - September 1 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).

Following officially filing to run, Representative Gilliard issued the following statement:

"As many of you know, I have always answered the call to serve because I believe building “a more perfect Union” for “We the People” are not only inspiring words but represent the highest ambition of a good and great people. Although we have sometimes faltered in our steps forward, you and I know that we can only fail to reach that goal if good people do not find the courage to try and work for the inclusion of all voices.
I have been proud to be a servant of the people in the South Carolina House of Representatives for many years. In the House, I have worked hard on legislation that will make life safer, better, more equitable, and with more opportunity for success for all South Carolinians.

But many times, what we have fought for and accomplished in the House has run into a dead end in the State Senate. Serving as your Senator will enable me to continue the fight to

Pass the Hate Crimes Act in the Senate, where it had languished during the last session,

Bring state funding to our neglected schools that change them from among the worst in the CCSD and the nation to the best,

Address the safety of all our residents, young and senior, ignored in neighborhoods that have the highest crime rates in the county,

Focus the attention of the Senate on taking meaningful actions to combat the highest rate of unemployment in Charleston and commit necessary state resources to support and develop Black economic empowerment.

That is why I have filed to be a candidate in the Special Election for State Senate, District 42., so that the voice of all the people will not be heard in one branch of the legislature but ignored in the Senate. So that all people are represented and so that the Senate of South Carolina will truly be a chamber for ALL the people!" - Wendell Gilliard