Columbia, SC – Americans for Prosperity-South Carolina (AFP-SC) today endorsed Speaker Murrell Smith (HD-67), Assistant Majority Leader Brandon Newton (HD-45), State Rep. Blake Sanders (HD-09), State Rep. Randy Ligon (HD-43), State Rep. Tim McGinnis (HD-56), State Rep. Carla Schuessler (HD-61), State Rep. Jeff Bradley (HD-123), Johnnie Garmon (HD-115), and State Rep. James Teeple (HD-116).
AFP-SC is backing proven policy champions and strong partners committed to expanding freedom and opportunity across the Palmetto State with its nine endorsements for the 2026 State House elections.
AFP-SC State Director Matt Humm released the following statement:
“South Carolina families are feeling the pressure of rising costs, an overly complicated tax code, and a state government that too often makes life more difficult. The men and women we are endorsing today include proven leaders and a strong new voice, all of whom have shown they are willing to deliver real results for South Carolina families rather than soundbites. They have demonstrated a clear commitment to tackling the high cost of living, expanding education freedom, lowering and simplifying taxes, and cutting red tape that holds back small businesses and job creators.
“We have more work ahead to rein in government, expand opportunity, and ensure South Carolina is truly working for families and job creators, but these individuals have us moving in the right direction. We’re proud to stand with these candidates in that fight.”
Background:
Speaker Murrell Smith (HD-67)
As Speaker of the House, Murrell Smith has played a leading role in delivering significant education freedom wins, advancing Certificate of Need repeal, and reducing regulatory burdens on South Carolina businesses.
His leadership has been critical in moving major economic reform legislation across the finish line, reinforcing South Carolina’s position as a leader in pro-growth policymaking.
Assistant Majority Leader Brandon Newton (HD-45)
As Assistant Majority Leader, Brandon Newton has played a pivotal role in advancing education freedom, including an expansion of education savings accounts (ESA), and supporting tax modernization efforts. Newton’s leadership position and consistent support for pro growth policies make him a true champion for South Carolina families and job creators.
State Rep. Blake Sanders (HD-09)
In his first term, Rep. Blake Sanders demonstrated a strong commitment to improving lives for all South Carolina families. He has championed cost-benefit analysis requirements and automatic sunset provisions for executive rules.
State Rep. Randy Ligon (HD-43)
Rep. Randy Ligon has advanced pro-growth energy and healthcare policies while pushing back on overburdensome regulations.
A respected leader in his caucus and community, Ligon continues to seek input from grassroots advocates and remains a dependable ally for policies that support small businesses and economic growth.
State Rep. Tim McGinnis (HD-56)
Rep. Tim McGinnis has been a reliable advocate for permitting reform, energy modernization, and education freedom. McGinnis’ partnership and steady leadership continue to help advance policies that expand opportunity across his district and the state.
State Rep. Carla Schuessler (HD-61)
Rep. Carla Schuessler has been instrumental in advancing major education reforms, including key ESA legislation. She’s championed efforts to modernize regulations through REINS-style reforms and efforts to create a flatter, fairer tax system.
State Rep. Jeff Bradley (HD-123)
State Rep. Jeff Bradley is a proven champion for school choice, fiscal conservatism, and economic growth in South Carolina. He is also the author of H.3021, the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act, which aims to reduce government red tape by requiring legislative review of major regulations.
Johnnie Garmon (HD-115)
A successful entrepreneur and community leader, Johnnie Garmon has spent more than two decades building and leading businesses that raised the standard of healthcare across South Carolina, serving thousands of families, and employing hundreds statewide. His experience creating solutions positions him as a principled advocate ready to deliver results for South Carolina.
State Rep. James Teeple (HD-116)
As a small business owner and education advocate, Teeple understands the importance of policies that strengthen families, entrepreneurs, and local communities. He has supported legislation to dramatically lower the state income tax rate and continues to champion policies aimed at expanding opportunity and reducing regulatory burdens.
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