On the Issues
Why I’m Running
Faith – Family - Freedom
Politicians in Columbia have forgotten working-class families. Instead, they have saddled us with the highest income tax rate of any red state, poor schools, and poor roads. All of this is done at the behest of the trial lawyers in order to prevent lawsuit reform. These influences up the cost of almost everything, all while they continue to grow state government bureaucracy.
Columbia doesn’t have a revenue problem – it has a spending and corruption problem.
I’m running to protect life, families, the Second Amendment, and the values that make Laurens county strong – Faith, Family, and Freedom. Laurens county values are American values, and I will defend them every single day. I will fight to ensure that every policy coming out of Columbia should make it easier, not harder, to raise a family in Laurens County. That means supporting parents' rights and expanding opportunities for working families.
As a father, grandfather, businessman, farmer, teacher and community leader, I have the experience, drive, and dedication to make Laurens county a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Rick’s foremost responsibility is to the people of Laurens county. Every decision he makes, every issue he champions, and every vote he takes will always be grounded in what is best for Laurens county—its families, its economy, and its way of life.
Rick believes that Columbia needs leaders who remember who they work for, and he is committed to serving as a true advocate for his community.
Focus on Education
Rick Shealy’s vision is for South Carolina to become a leading state in K-12 education by focusing on student success, parental involvement, and accountability in how education dollars are spent.
His perspective on education is shaped by personal experience at every level. Rick was once a struggling high school student who understands firsthand the challenges many young people face. Through determination and hard work, he put himself through college while working to pay for his education, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston. He later served as an instructor at St. Leo College, gaining direct classroom experience and a deep appreciation for the dedication of educators and the needs of students.
Rick supports school choice and believes education funding should follow the student, empowering parents to select the learning environment that best meets their child’s needs. He is committed to ensuring that tax dollars are spent directly in classrooms, rewarding effective teachers, and maintaining strong, orderly learning environments where students can thrive.
Rick Shealy will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize students over bureaucracy and ensure that South Carolina’s education system prepares young people for college, careers, and responsible citizenship.
100% Pro-Life
As a Christian, Rick Shealy believes that every child is a gift from God and that human life deserves protection from its earliest stages.
He is unwavering in his commitment to the protection of the preborn and has long supported pro-life causes not only in principle but in practice. For many years, he has been a supporter — both in prayer and financially — of organizations that serve mothers, children, and families, including South Carolina Citizens for Life, Carolina Pregnancy Center, and the Upstate Pregnancy Center, which is now launching services in Laurens County.
Rick Shealy stands firmly for policies that protect preborn children while also supporting the compassionate care and resources that help women choose life and build strong families.
Gun Rights
As citizens, we have a duty to protect our homes, our families and our country. As a gun-owner and a patriot, Rick Shealy takes that obligation seriously.
The Second Amendment was designed to guarantee a free people the ability to defend themselves, their families and their country. “Shall not be infringed” means shall not be infringed.
Immigration - Protecting Public Safety at the Local Level
Immigration policy is often shaped at the federal level, but its consequences are felt in communities across South Carolina, including Laurens County. For local families, this issue is ultimately about public safety, accountability, and the rule of law.
In 2023, our community experienced a heartbreaking tragedy with the loss of young Maddie Hines, who was killed in a crash caused by an unlicensed alien. The case underscored concerns shared by many residents about dangerous driving, enforcement of existing laws, and the need for effective coordination between state and federal authorities.
While immigration policy must be humane and respect the dignity of all people, it must also prioritize the safety of citizens and lawful residents. States have an important role to play in supporting law enforcement, ensuring compliance with state laws, and preventing individuals who pose a risk to public safety from endangering our communities.
Responsible leadership means pursuing practical solutions — strengthening enforcement of driving and identification laws, improving information sharing with federal agencies, and supporting policies that reduce preventable tragedies.
For Laurens county families, this issue is not theoretical. It is about protecting our roads, our neighborhoods, and our children, and ensuring that no family suffers an avoidable loss.
Taxes and Spending
Rick Shealy will work tirelessly to reduce South Carolina’s income tax rate from 6.4%—currently the highest among red states—to 0%. By cutting unnecessary state bureaucracy, he plans to put money back into the pockets of working families and small businesses. Rick believes these measures will attract new investment and create high-quality jobs throughout the state.
Rick will fight to stop the Columbia spending machine and reduce the size of state government. Too many politicians are unwilling to buck the system and keep voting for larger and larger budgets in hopes of getting a few of their earmarks passed.
As our Representative, Rick will be a tireless opponent of unnecessary spending.
Repair the Roads - Fixing what Matters for Laurens County
As a farmer and longtime resident of Laurens County, Rick Shealy travels local roads daily and sees firsthand the condition many families contend with every day — deteriorating pavement, unsafe shoulders, and aging bridges in need of repair. For rural communities, reliable roads are not a convenience; they are essential for school buses, emergency services, local businesses, and the agricultural economy.
Rick recognizes that many local roads have fallen into disrepair due in part to inefficiencies within the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and a system that too often prioritizes studies and bureaucracy over real improvements on the ground. He supports reducing red tape, eliminating wasteful spending on unnecessary projects, and ensuring that transportation funds are directed to counties where needs are greatest.
Rick Shealy is committed to making sure Laurens County has safe, reliable infrastructure that supports daily life, economic growth, and public safety. Fixing existing roads and bridges — not just planning future projects — will be a top priority.
Crime and Judicial Reform
Rick Shealy is a strong supporter of first responders and is committed to providing them with the best training, resources, and compensation. Rick will sponsor legislation focused on reducing violent crime, especially offenses against children.
South Carolina is one of only two states in the nation that allows the legislature to appoint and reappoint judges. This system has led to concerns about corruption and the suppression of justice for citizens. Rick will vote to give the governor the ability to nominate judges, subject to state Senate confirmation, ensuring a more transparent and fair judicial process.
Term Limits
President Trump has proposed limiting congressional terms (6 years for the House and 12 years for the Senate). Rick strongly supports President Trump’s proposal and believes South Carolina should adopt similar limits.
He is dedicated to ensuring elected officials remain responsive to their constituents and that public service remains a calling, not a career.
