Meet the candidates running in SC House District 79. Hamilton Grant and Rebecca Madsen
The state House District 79 race features Democratic nominee Hamilton Grant of Richland County and Republican nominee Rebecca Madsen.
Hamilton Grant
Name: Hamilton Grant
Party: Democratic
Age: 35
Occupation: President of Grant Business Advisors
Education: Bachelor’s from South Carolina State University and MBA from Alabama A&M University
Political or civic experience: Candidate for Richland County Council District 8 (2020), Congressman James E. Clyburn Fellowship (2017), vice chair of the Talented Tenth Young Professionals (2015-2017), president of the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals (2017-2020), SC State University Board of Trustee member (2018-2021), Columbia Museum of Art Board of Trustees member (2021-current), SC Port Authority Port Ambassador Program (2023), 100 Black Men of Greater Columbia, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity
Campaign website: www.grantforsc.com/
Why are you running for House District 79?
As a lifelong South Carolinian, I have seen firsthand the potential for excellence here in our state. While our accomplishments have been great, they are not without opportunities of improvement. I am running for the South Carolina House of Representatives to be a change agent in this state that moves the needle forward for a more equitable state. While there are ways to agitate change, I believe the more effective way to implement change is by being part of the decision making process. With constant attempts to control women’s reproductive rights, use taxpayer dollars to fund private education and remain only one of two states in the entire country without hate crime legislation, it is evident that change is needed in our state’s general assembly. If elected, I will work tirelessly to make sure that our state is one every South Carolinian can be proud of!
If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during the next Legislative session?
As I have stated since the beginning of our campaign back in February, my top three priorities are to improve our state’s infrastructure, protect the integrity of public education and build a sustainable South Carolina workforce. Ensuring that the seven year debacle of Hardscrabble Road never happens to any community in our state again, not wasting taxpayer dollars on unconstitutional funding streams for private education and preparing South Carolinians for the explosive growth we are seeing from an economic standpoint are all priorities for me. Working with legislators on these issues will make our state more cohesive and better for the future!
What do you think voters in District 79 need most and how are you going to deliver for them?
Voters in House District 79 need someone who is dependable, relatable, honest and approachable. As I have spoken to thousands of constituents in this election cycle, voters are hungry for visionary leadership from their state representative. They want someone who will keep them informed and engaged with the important issues discussed at the capitol. I fully intend to deliver what our voters are looking for in their legislator. In a highly divisive political climate, I have bipartisan relationships that I will use in attempts to bring common sense solutions. I have a track record of service but most importantly, I have a track record of results. I wholeheartedly believe that I am the best choice in this election and with the vote of constituents, I look forward to representing them in our General Assembly!
Rebecca Madsen
Name: Rebecca Madsen
Party: Republican
Madsen did not respond to multiple phone calls and emails requesting she answer this questionnaire.