A small business owner and former social worker, Ashley Painter announced Thursday that she is running as a Democrat for South Carolina House District 117. The district, located in Berkeley County, is currently represented by Republican state Rep. Jordan Pace.
Painter said her campaign will focus on lowering everyday costs for families and bringing what she described as compassionate and accountable leadership to Columbia.
Campaign Focused on Cost of Living and Family Issues
Painter said rising grocery bills, housing costs, childcare expenses and healthcare prices are placing heavy burdens on working families. She criticized current state leadership for prioritizing cultural issues over economic relief.
Her platform includes lowering costs, protecting reproductive rights, supporting small businesses, defending equal rights and ensuring state government serves residents rather than political insiders.
Personal Story Shapes Candidacy
Painter said her life experiences heavily influenced her decision to run. She entered foster care at 15, aged out at 18 and later earned a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in social work. She has worked as a crisis counselor, family-based therapist, adoption and foster care caseworker and at a methadone clinic in North Charleston.
Now a professional photographer and nonprofit volunteer, Painter said her family lives paycheck to paycheck and carefully weighed the financial challenges of launching a campaign. She emphasized that public service should not be about personal profit and pledged to represent every family in District 117 if elected.
