James Smith picks up two endorsements in run for governor
On Thursday, May 17th, SC Equality PAC, South Carolina’s largest LGBTQ rights organization, announced their endorsement of Representative James Smith in the upcoming Democratic Gubernatorial Primary. Representative Smith has a long history of championing the rights of LGBTQ South Carolinians and fighting against discriminatory anti-LGBTQ bills in the State House.
In 2006, Representative Smith was one of the few members of the House who courageously voted against amending the South Carolina Constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman.
“All the progress we have made on LGBTQ equality — and all the progress we have yet to make — is at stake in November,” said SC Equality Executive Director Jeff Ayers. “While others fight to take us backwards, James Smith is fighting to advance equality across our state. We are proud to endorse James Smith for Governor and believe that he is the champion we can count on in November and every day he serves as Governor for all of South Carolina,” he added.
Smith and running mate Mandy Powers Norrell also picked up an endorsement from Representative Russell Ott.
“It’s a special day today to welcome our next Governor of South Carolina to Calhoun County, and I am happy to give my endorsement to two people who are truly going to help our state reach its best potential and all that it can be,” Ott said. “I can attest to the fact that they are the best of what South Carolina has to offer. James is a fighter – he fights for the people that I care about, and he and Mandy are exactly what we need to move this state forward.”
“I am so thrilled to be here today with my friend and colleague Representative Russell Ott,” Smith said. “It has been a pleasure serving beside him and working together as we have moved this state forward.”
Representative Smith continued, “Representative Ott has been a leader fighting for his constituents, fighting for our state. He has lead charge in this to lower utility rates, improve our infrastructure and create economic development. I look forward to hitting the campaign trail with together as we work to get Democrats elected up and down the ballot.”