Duke Buckner

Duke Buckner was born in Walterboro, South Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree in English education from South Carolina State University in 1994. He earned a J.D. from Nova Southeastern University in 2007. Buckner's career experience includes working as an attorney at law, public school teacher, real estate broker, and certified mediator. He has been affiliated with the Florida State Bar Association, the South Carolina State Bar Association, and with Rotary International in Hampton County. Buckner has also been a member of St. Peter's African Methodist Episcopal Church.[1][2]

Duke Buckner did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Duke Buckner did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Buckner’s campaign website stated the following:

Economy

Jumpstarting our economy and reigning in wasteful spending is critical to our economic security.

Security and Strength

Strengthening America’s borders and armed forces is critical to the success of our nation.

Pro Life

Protecting and defending life is paramount to the rights of every American.

Jobs

Creating an environment where employers can create new jobs is vital to economic growth.

Education

Fostering a better education for America’s future is of utmost importance.

[3]

—Duke Buckner’s campaign website (2024)[4]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Walterboro, South Carolina, Mr. Buckner is a 1990 graduate of Walterboro High School and a 1994 Graduate of South Carolina State University in English Education. Mr. Buckner began his career as a 7th grade English teacher at Colleton Middle School. He also taught 11th grade American Literature at Walterboro High School. Mr. Buckner left the school system to start the first African-American owned and operated weekly newspaper in Colleton County. After serving as the newspaper’s managing editor for eight years, Mr. Buckner received his J.D. from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 2007.

As an attorney, Mr. Buckner began his legal career as a public defender fighting for the legal rights of indigent people in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He moved back home to Walterboro in 2009 and won a seat on the Walterboro City Council.

He has been in private practice since 2012.

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?

Jobs, Economic Growth and DevelopmentExcellence in EducationSafe Streets and Neighborhoods by reducing crime

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic growth and development, education and crime reduction

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

Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and Savior.

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

The Holy Bible

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

An elected official must be a good listener, be a man or woman their word, and have a mind to work.

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

I have analytical, communication and social skills. I am also persistent and am diligent in completing the task set before me.

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

A person elected to U.S. Congress has the responsibility to make sure that the will of the people he or she represents is heard in Washington, DC and to have a positive impact on the district he or she serves.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I was a disciple of Jesus Christ

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

I was in my early 20's when I became a born again believer of Jesus Christ.

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

I worked at McDonald's in high school. I worked there several months.

What is your favorite book? Why?

KJV version of the Bible. It is the word of God

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

Green Latern

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

It's Quiet Uptown from the Broadway Musical, Hamilton

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

Understanding the mistreatment and mischaracterization of African Americans who hold conservative beliefs.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Representatives are elected every two years. Therefore, they have to be diligent and produce results.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No

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

Self Destruction

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Ways and Means , Appropriations, Education and Labor

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

We need term limits.

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

No

Both sitting representatives 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?

I met a constituent who drives from Bamberg to Charleston to work everyday. His commute is about an hour and a half. He shared with me that because of the high cost of gas and food, he is now suffering financially.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I believe the government should be a good steward over tax payers dollars and not be wasteful. For economic growth and development, reductions in crime and improvements in education to happen, money has to be spent wisely.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a born again believer in Jesus Christ. I believe that a war for the soul of America is being fought! Conservatives must win this fight so that our country can continue to be that shining city upon a hill that cannot be hid. I am a former middle and high school English teacher and weekly newspaper owner. Currently, I am a licensed attorney practicing law in South Carolina for the last 7 years in my own law firm.

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?

I am Pro LifeI am Pro Second AmendmentI am Pro Fiscal Responsibility

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

WHEREAS the South Carolina Republican Party was founded by Robert Smalls, a former slave from Beaufort, SC who breathed into our Grand Old Party the founding principles of Faith, Love and Courage.

And for the SCGOP's commitment and application of these principles in the creation of public policy, I believe God has blessed the state of South Carolina.

And for God's continued blessings and prosperity be bestowed upon the state of South Carolina and its people, I henceforth pledge to act and vote in a manner that is consistent to the long established fundamental principles of the Republican Party and not compromise our state's conservative values and beliefs for the sake of bi-partisanship or to be "relevant."

Furthermore, I pledge to work to make into law either by sponsorship or co-sponsorship the following Pro Life, Pro Second Amendment, Pro Fiscal Responsibility Legislative agenda:

I. The Right to Life Act- No Abortion. No Exceptions

II. The Second Amendment Protection Act- I oppose Red Flag Laws and any additional gun control legislation that infringes on our right to keep and bare arms.

III. 2030 Debt Free Act- Pay off our national debt within 10 years.

IV. Fatherhood Preservation Act- Joint custody and standard visitation rights be awarded to fathers who obey the law and are Court ordered to pay child support

V. The Natural Food Consumption Act- Promote, protect and expand organic farming and organic livestock farming.

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

I look up to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe on him and follow his example because by doing so I will not perish but have everlasting life.

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

King James Version of the Bible.

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

1. God fearing

2. Honest

3. Have a desire to do good and serve the people.

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

My experience as a public school teacher, newspaper owner, city councilman and practicing attorney in South Carolina has given me certain skills that I believe will make me a successful officeholder. These skills include, but are not limited to: planning and implementation, collaboration, interpersonal, communication, persuasive, legal analysis, negotiating, listening, fortitude and vision.

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

The core responsibilities for someone elected to the office of U.S. Senate is to represent the values and beliefs of the people who put them into office. He or she must be a problem solver, and a good listener and be accessible to his or her constituency.

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

I was 18 years old when I became a born again believer of Jesus Christ.

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

My first job was working at McDonald's when I was in the 10th grade. I do not remember how long I worked there.

What is your favorite book? Why?

King James Version of the Bible. It is my favorite book because I believe it is God's word.

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

A member of the Green Lantern Corps.

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

The Stone was Rolled Away by Three Crosses

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

1. The rights of the unborn.

2. Second Amendment Rights

3. National Debt

4. National Security

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

What makes the U.S. Senate unique is that every state in our union has two U.S. Senators. This allows each state, regardless of population, to have equal representation in the U.S. Senate

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

For senators, having previous experience in government or politics can be both beneficial and detrimental. It can be beneficial if that previous experience in government or politics resulted in the senator doing good. It would be detrimental if that same experience resulted in the senator doing evil.

What do you think of the filibuster?

I think the filibuster must be used when appropriate and not abused.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?

Yes, I believe its beneficial to build relationships with other senators.

If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Yes, they are the following:

1. U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

2. Finance

3. Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes, I would be interested in joining the party's leadership as assistant leader.

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

Yes, Senator Tim Scott.