Businessman David Herndon to run for S.C. House of Representatives

Daniel Island resident and small business owner David Herndon announced this week that he will be running in the June 2020 Republican primary for the South Carolina House of Representatives District 99 seat.

He said solving traffic congestion will be his top priority as well as vowing to push a reform agenda that includes term limits for lawmakers.

Sean Pinkston, of Daniel Island, and local funeral director Mark Smith are also running on the Republican ticket for the District 99 seat, which is currently held by State Rep. Nancy Mace. Mace, a Republican, announced earlier this year she is running for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.

“Nancy Mace has been an outstanding representative, and she’ll be an outstanding congresswoman,” Herndon said in a press release. “For my part, I’m running for State House because I honestly feel I have something to offer: I’m a lifelong, conservative Republican. I’m a small businessman and a hard worker. I believe in clean, ethical, accountable government, and I’m committed to fighting for the reforms needed to move our state forward. I care about our community, and I genuinely enjoy helping others.”

According to the press release, Herndon will dedicate himself to reducing road and interstate congestion, he said, calling it the biggest challenge facing the area. “Unfortunately, our daily traffic jams are getting worse, not better, because rapid growth and development put thousands of extra cars on our streets every year. My absolute highest priority will be improving our roadways and solving our traffic problems. It’s the single most important thing we can do to improve our quality of life.”

He also wants to lead the fight for efficiency and accountability reforms, the press release stated, but he believes real reform begins with enacting term limits for members of the Legislature.

“Career politicians are the root of many of our state’s problems, because they tend to oppose change – even badly-needed reforms to make government work better,” he said. “Term limits would ultimately mean cleaner, smarter, better, more accountable government.”

In addition to fighting for a term limit law, Herndon would limit himself to no more than three terms in office, he said in the press release. “It’s important to lead by example,” he said. “Besides, public service isn’t meant to be a career.”

He said other reform goals include tougher ethics laws to hold politicians accountable; streamlining agency operations to reduce waste; budget reform to ensure our most vital needs – such as public schools – take priority over frivolous spending and “pet projects”; and transportation reform to ensure highway dollars are going where they’re most needed.

Herndon, who owns a pine straw and mulch installation and sales company, plans to emphasize his small business experience. “Business people are sorely needed in the Legislature because they tend to be adept at solving tough problems,” he said. “Business people often have valuable insights and perspectives that lawyers and politicians don’t.”

And he says he’ll be a watchdog for the taxpayers. “I believe in low taxes and efficient government. I know people work for their money, because I work hard for mine. The taxpayers need a watchdog looking out for them in Columbia, and that’s what I’ll be.”

Herndon’s campaign slogan is “people over politics” – a theme he chose to reflect the style of public service he hopes to offer.

“My only objective is to serve my neighbors, protect our community, and move our state forward,” he said.

The general election for all 124 seats in the South Carolina House of Representatives will be held on Nov. 3, 2020. The primary election is scheduled for June 9, 2020.