Meet the candidates running in state Senate District 35 hoping to succeed Thomas McEleveen
The race in state Senate District 35 features Democrat Jeffrey R. Graham, the former Camden mayor, and Republican business owner Mike Jones.
They are running for a four-year term to succeed state Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter, who is not running for reelection.
The district includes parts of Kershaw, Lee, Richland and Sumter counties.
Jeffrey R. Graham
Name: Jeffrey R. Graham
Party: Democrat
Age: 42
Occupation: Small business owner, Graham Realty
Education: Camden High School, Presbyterian College
Political or civic experience: Lyttleton Street United Street Methodist Church, Camden City Council, mayor of Camden, Santee Lynches Council of Government, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Pparent
Campaign website: JeffreyGrahamforSCSenate.com
Why are you running for Senate District 35?
My family has always been deeply involved in our community. I have spent my entire life in Kershaw, Sumter, Lee and Richland counties, and I recognize that we are a rural area with growing parts, proud people and vibrant small towns. As mayor and a city councilor in Camden, my priorities have included economic development, infrastructure, strategic planning, education and tourism. I plan to work with the citizens, leaders and the elected officials in all of these counties to ensure the longevity of our diverse communities and to find local and regional solutions to the issues facing rural S.C. My work with the Santee-Lynches Council of Governments gives me an insight into this district. The work and the relationships have strengthened my belief in our communities and what we can achieve. My wife, Sara, and I are the proud parents of a son, Edwards, and daughter, Bailey. We made the decision to raise our children in the same communities that have blessed our family with so much.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during the next Legislative session?
As the former mayor of a small town, I recognize that infrastructure and economic development must be priorities for Sumter, Lee, Richland and Kershaw counties. The addition of advanced manufacturing and other industrial jobs that require a skilled workforce keeps our overall tax base low and provides essential opportunities for young adults to return to or stay in our communities and reduces the need to commute long distances. None of it works, however, if our roads, bridges and public utilities are in disrepair. We must quit approaching our problems through a singular lens — infrastructure, quality education, access to water help bring economic opportunities and good paying jobs to our communities. They are all interconnected. We must make sure that our community remains hospitable to our military installations.
What District 35 projects would you advocate earmark funding for through the state budget?
Earmarks are tools that should be used for infrastructure, creating jobs/bringing jobs to our communities, revitalizing our small towns, access to rural healthcare/senior care facilities and programs that take care of our citizens. These are not frivolous tax dollars and should be used to create a better quality of life.
Mike Jones
Name: Mike Jones
Party: Republican
Age: 54
Occupation/place of employment: Retired military and small business owner
Education/school: Bachelor’s degree in business from Limestone University, master’s degree in leadership from Marshall University, master’s degree in business from Park University, and I’m just one class away from earning a third master’s degree in criminal justice from Webster University.
Political or civic experience: I joined the Army in March of 1988 when I was just 17. I started my military career as a private and worked my way up to sergeant first class but later on, I transitioned to an officer and rose up the ranks to lieutenant colonel.
Campaign website: senatormikejones.com
Why are you running for Senate District 35?
I always knew when I had the opportunity to run, once I had retired from the military, I would. As I look at the lives ahead for my seven beautiful grandchildren, I know the future doesn’t hold the same prosperity as it once did for me when I was young. Their futures deserve the same chance that I was given and if elected as your state senator, I promise to fulfill that prosperity to my family and yours.
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during the next Legislative session?
I want to prioritize infrastructure improvements that enhance road safety, reduce traffic congestion and support economic development, ensuring that South Carolina communities are well-connected and businesses thrive. I also want to expand school choice, which gives parents the power to choose the best educational options for their children and ensure quality education for every student. Lastly, I want to advocate for our men and women in uniform. Our law enforcement needs to have the tools, resources and funding to keep our families and communities safe, and if elected, that’s a promise I’ll always keep my word on.
What District 35 projects would you advocate earmark funding for through the state budget?
Our rural communities need adequate funding to advance and prosper their economy. Access to high-speed internet is essential and will open doors for educational resources, healthcare and e-commerce, empowering residents and businesses to thrive in the digital age. If I’m elected, our rural communities will have a strong voice at the State House, and I’ll ensure they’re not overlooked or forgotten.
