Annie McDaniel

Annie McDaniel was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina. McDaniel's career experience includes working as an accountant. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina in 1982 and a graduate degree from the University of South Carolina in 1991.[1]

McDaniel has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

National Council of Negro women

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

NAACP

National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL)

National Organization of Black Elected Women (NOBEL)

Women in Government

National Foundation for Women Legislators

National Council of State Legislators

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Annie E. McDaniel,

Education began in Fairfield County’s public schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting at the University of SC (USC) and a Masters in Public Administration from USC.

In 2018 she was elected to the SC General Assembly House District 41 as the first African American woman and first African American since reconstruction. During her first year in office, she was the first member to pass a bill. She currently serves as a member of the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee; and the First Vice President for the Operations and Management Committee; former member of the Education and Public Works Committee and the COVID-19 Employment, Workforce, and Business Recovery Committee; and the Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs Committee.

She is a member of several caucuses: Black (Chair-Elect), House Democrats, Women, Small Business, Military and Progressive. National Black Caucus of State Legislators (At-Large Executive Committee). National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, SC Democratic Party Executive Committee, Fairfield County NAACP Branch Executive Committee, National Foundation for Women Legislators State Director and National Women in Government State Director.

From 2000-2018, elected member, Fairfield County School District Board of Trustees.

Life Member of NCNW, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., USC Alumni Association and the NAACP.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

People's Representative. Always govern with the impact of her constituents in the forefront. She considers herself the voice for the voiceless. She is an advocate for the people and is involved in many civic engagement and social action organizations and committees.Accessible. Ms. McDaniel is accessible and do not mind sharing her personal mobile phone number to constituents and those who support her. She is a fixer and seek resolve problems rather than kick the can down the road.She is through and always seek to get knowledge and understanding prior to making a decision. She believes that education never ends. She believes that education is one of the most important keys to equalization of all people.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Social Justice and Healthcare. I believe that giving people opportunities will go a long way in combating many of the activities that plague our society. People does not have to be a product of their environment. Everyone is capable of learning if given the right resources or necessary resources.

Healthcare is extremely important because people can’t learn or make a decent living if they are sick or unhealthy. We can provide great helathcare or take care of sick or unhealthy individuals. I believe in taking care of the unhealthy.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to all who takes a stand for what is fair and just. Those who defend the underdog, who happens to be in situations not of their own making.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Any film regarding education such as "Lean on Me" "Coach Carter" "The Great Debate" "Akeelah and the Bee"

Also, health movies like Erin Brockovich"

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, because people should be comfortable believing in you and knowing that you will do what you say or at least do what is in the best interest of those you are serving.

Honesty, individuls should be aboe to believe what you tell them.

Compassion, individuals should be able to know that you care.

Justice, individuals should be able to trust that your will advocate for all peiple and that you believe in fairness.

Temperance, individuals should be comfortable knowing that you are able to exhibit self control.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Great negotiator. Able to articulate at various levels.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Serving constituents, play a key role in passing legislation and play a key role ine passing a budget that is in the best interest of SC.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Making a difference and individuals believing that I cared.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Barack Obama being elected as the first African American President. 48 was my age.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Student worker. Worked during the summer.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible, because it has many instructions to a blessed life.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

NA

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I'm Blessed by Charlie Wilson

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Gettin people to get involved in those things that negatively impact them.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Constant communication. The Legislature should hear directly from the government in small setting, the needs from the legislature. The legislature should know whether or not the resources provided to the governor are used wisely and the impact; as well as, what should be done differently.

Differences should be discussed and not carried into the next issue or matter.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Civility and an end to decisions made strictly along party lines.

Inflation. Individuals pay and fixed income is not keeping up with the rising cost.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, but not necessary. Most things are learned on the job and that has not been too much of a problem. The problem is being forced to stick to partisan politics.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. No one person can achieve anything or pass a bill. Relationships allow you to learn others perspectives, which is very beneficial.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Shirley Chislom, unbought and unbossed.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

not sure at the point.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Many, so I will not focus on just one.

Tell us your favorite joke.

NA

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Depends on the situation. There should be an advisory which should review situations and give a nod to minimize unjust actions considered done due to an emergency. There should be parimeters for the advisory comittee.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I introduced a bill regarding the use of E-Rate funds being expanded.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

We are still in the endorsement era of th campaign. Since do notI have opposition in the Primary or the General Election endorsements will come later.

What committees interest you?

Ways and Means/Budget/Appropriations; Education; Medical Affairs and Agriculture.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Both financial transparency and government accountability are very important. People should know how government money is spent, the process for the decision making and whether or not the use of the funds were effective. All government funds should have a monitoring and evaluation component.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Good. We are a super majority red state mostly because people are apathetic about voting. hopefully ballot initiatives will make voting more necessary to voters.

Annie McDaniel did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Annie McDaniel did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.