Meet the candidates running in state Senate District 19 in Richland County
The State Senate District 19 features state Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine and United Citizens Party nominee Chris Nelums.
Devine won the seat in January in a special election to replace the late state Sen. John Scott. Nelums in 2022 unsuccessfully ran for state agriculture commissioner, and in the special election this year.
The winner of the election will serve a four-year term and represent part of Richland County.
Tameika Isaac Devine
Name: Tameika Isaac Devine
Party: Democratic
Age: 51
Occupation/place of employment: Attorney - Jabber & Isaac, PA
Education/school: USC School of Law - 1997; Hampton University - 1994
Political or civic experience: At-large councilperson, City of Columbia 2002 - 2021; S.C. Senate District 19 Jan 2024 - present
Campaign website: www.devineforsenate.com
Why are you running for Senate District 19?
To be a voice for the citizens of District 19 and the state of South Carolina at the State House. My experience as a local elected official and deep awareness of the issues facing this state give me the ability to work on the state level to bring real solutions and help move S.C. forward.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during the next Legislative session?
Healthcare, addressing the issues presented by the passing of permitless carry, (and) working through the energy bill to include addressing energy efficiencies for citizens in older homes.
What Richland County projects would you advocate earmark funding for through the state budget?
Housing needs, youth violence prevention, addressing needs at Alvin S Glenn, (and) economic development projects.
Chris Nelums
Name: Chris Nelums
Party: United Citizens Party
Age: 63
Occupation/place of employment: Chief pastor and overseer
Education/school: B.A. in religion and philosophy
Political or civic experience: Chairman of The United Citizens Party
Why are you running for Senate District 19?
To improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians, through a common sense approach.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during the next Legislative session?
1. Judicial Reform -Change the way judges are elected. Keep judges and lawyers honest by allowing the people to elect judges after they have met the qualification requirements such as mental evaluations, social and racial training. 2. Passing the reparation bill.
What Richland County projects would you advocate earmark funding for through the state budget?
Housing (low and moderate housing) and education (pay increase for staff and teachers).
