Chris Stephens

Chris Stephens was born in Loris, South Carolina. He graduated from Loris High School. He earned an associate degree from Horry-Georgetown Technical College in 1999, a bachelor's degree from Coastal Carolina University in 2010, and a graduate degree from Augusta University in 2024. His career experience includes working in public service, as a police officer, and in emergency dispatch.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Loris, South Carolina, where my parents worked hard to provide for me and my sister — my father as a diesel mechanic and my mother as a factory worker who went on to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. Like so many in our district, I grew up in a working-class household that taught me the value of hard work, fairness, and treating people with dignity.

At 16, I joined the police explorers program, and by 18, I was serving as an emergency dispatcher. At 21, I became a police officer — a role I held for 15 years. I know what it means to stand on the front lines, to listen when people are at their most vulnerable, and to serve with integrity.

Service has always been at the center of my life. I led an LGBTQ+ community center that provided support, resources, and a safe place for people and their families. I also built a small business from the ground up while working full time and earning an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s in political science, and a master’s in public administration.

I’m running for Congress because I believe every person deserves a fair shot — to work, to raise a family, to live with dignity. My campaign is built on three principles: Community, Fairness, and Dignity. Those aren’t just words. They’re the values I’ve lived by my entire life. And that’s the kind of leadership I’ll take to Congress.

I’m not a career politician. I’m a career public servant.

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?

Strong communities don’t happen by accident. They are built through safe neighborhoods, good schools, affordable housing, and local businesses that keep our economy moving. They grow when families have access to fresh food, kids have safe places to play, and neighbors have spaces to come together.

As your Congressman, I’ll fight to make sure GA-12 gets its fair share of resources and investment.Fairness is dignity in action —

and it’s how we make sure every family in GA-12 gets a fair shot.

Fairness means that if you work hard, you ought to be able to support your family. It means our veterans shouldn’t have to fight the VA to get the benefits they’ve earned. It means your zip code shouldn’t determine your access to healthcare, good schools, or job opportunities.

As your Congressman, I’ll fight for fairness by:

Raising wages and lowering costs

I’ll fight for policies that help working families — from raising wages to lowering the cost of prescription drugs and utilities.

Tax fairness

I’ll work toward a tax system where corporations and the wealthiest pay their share, so working families and small businesses aren’t carryingDignity

Every person deserves to live with dignity. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what stage of life you’re in, you should be treated with respect and valued for your contribution to our community.

For me, dignity means respect in action. It means making sure seniors can retire without fear, veterans get the care they earned, and working families don’t have to sacrifice their health or their children’s future just to get by.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Veterans Affairs, Judiciary, Criminal Justice, Labor, to name a few. I'm interested in consequential policies that serves the people of District 12. And that's my first priority.

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

Character, Integrity, Honesty- those are characteristics that are all too often missing in our elected leaders. I will bring those back to the office I hold.

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

The chief responsibility of a Representative is to relentlessly advocate for the people they are elected to represent. Their job, by policy and action, is to work to make the life better for the people of the district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I would like to leave is one of service. That I was able to help people. That I made peoples lives better.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Rebuilding global respect. Bringing the country together.